Gene Niksich, Founder of Unique Sports Products and Owner of Tourna Grip, Passes Away
October 21, 2026
October 19, 2026 — Gene Niksich, founder of Unique Sports Products and the driving force behind the iconic TOURNA brand, passed away peacefully at his home on Monday, October 19.
Gene founded Unique Sports in 1977 with a vision to develop innovative, game-improving products for tennis players of all levels. Over nearly five decades, he built the family-owned company into one of the most recognized names in tennis accessories, earning a reputation for quality and innovation.
Gene is best known for bringing Tourna Grip to prominence, establishing the unmistakable light blue overgrip as a fixture in professional tennis. Through his relationships with legendary players, including Pete Sampras, Tourna Grip became one of the most recognizable grips in the sport. Its distinctive light blue color became a signature of the brand, making Tourna Grip the first and only tennis overgrip with a trademarked blue color.
Under Gene’s leadership, Unique Sports expanded beyond grips into tennis strings, stringing machines, court equipment, training aids and accessories for tennis, pickleball and other sports. Throughout the company’s growth, he remained committed to hard work, quality products, strong relationships and a passion for the game.
Gene is survived by his two sons, Mike Niksich and Kevin Niksich, who will continue to lead the family-owned business and carry forward their father’s legacy.
His contributions to the tennis industry will live on through the products he created, the relationships he built, and the generations of players who continue to use TOURNA products.