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Becker joins Djokovic camp

Paddy HiggsDecember 18, 2013

World No.2 Novak Djokovic has turned to German tennis legend Boris Becker as his new coach. Becker will be in Djokovic’s camp from the first Grand Slam of 2014, the Australian Open in January.

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Boris Becker. Photo: Getty
Image: Getty Images

The appointment of Becker, a former world No.1 and a six-time Grand Slam winner, is likely to see him come up against old rival-turned coach Ivan Lendl, who played a key role in Brit Andy Murray's Wimbledon victory over Djokovic in July.

Serb Djokovic finished behind only Spaniard Rafael Nadal in the end-of-year rankings but won the end-of-season World Tour Finals.

He announced the move on Wednesday. Becker, 46, will replace Marian Vajda as head coach, but the long-serving Slovakian will remain part of Djokovic's team.

"I am really excited to have the opportunity to work with Boris," Djokovic, 26, said in a statement on his website.

'True legend'

"He is a true legend, someone who has great tennis knowledge and his experience will help me win new trophies from the grand slams and other tournaments. Becker is a great person, too, and I am sure he will fit in our team in the best possible way."

Novak Djokovic. Photo: Getty
With his already on the Australian Open crown, Djokovic has turned to Becker.Image: Getty Images

Becker, the youngest person - at 17 - to win the men's title at Wimbledon said: “"I am proud Novak invited me to become his head coach.

"I will do my best to help him reach his goals, and I am sure we can achieve great things together."

Djokovic, himself with six Grand Slam titles, has turned to Becker to help him return to the top of the men's rankings.

“My goal for 2014 is to play my best tennis and to get in shape for the Grand Slams and Masters 1000," Djokovic said.

Reigniting old rivalries

The move is likely to bring Becker and Lendl face-to-face once more, 20 years after they last met in a competitive match. Czech Lendl held sway in their overall meetings, winning 12 matches to Becker's 10. The German, however, won all three of their Grand Slam final meetings.

Having traded barbs while players before things became more civil, any clash as coaches would add a riveting sub-story to the match between their two star players.