Djokovic Hires Becker As Head Coach

Written by: Bob Larson Tennis on 18th December 2013

Boris Becker new coach of Novak Djokovic as media reports

Djokovic Hires Becker As Head Coach

epa03994927 (FILE) A file picture of former professional tennis player Boris Becker gesturing during a showcase featured on the centre court of the ATP Tournament in Stuttgart, Germany, 14 July 2012. As media reports 18 December 2013 Becker will join the coaching team of Novak Djokovic of Serbia as new head coach. EPA/MARIJAN MURAT |

Boris Becker will take over as head coach for Novak Djokovic starting at the Australian Open, with current coach Marian Vajda stepping into the background to spend more time at home. The Djokovic camp made the revelation only days before the world No. 2 is due to travel to Abu Dhabi for his exhibition start to 2014 next week after Christmas.

“I am really excited to have the opportunity to work with Boris,” Djokovic said in a statement. “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. Boris brings a new fresh approach, and together with Vajda he will make a winning combination.

“My goal for 2014 is to play my best tennis and to get in shape for the Grand Slams and Masters 1000. These tournaments have the most weight in our sport, and I want to prove my worth there. The team is now strengthened and we hope for maximum results,” said Djokovic, who won his last 24 matches of 2013.

Djokovic becomes the second leading player to be coached by a former great, with Ivan Lendl currently guiding Andy Murray, whole Jimmy Connors once worked with Andy Roddick and for one month in 2013 with Maria Sharapova. Becker, 46, a former No. 1 with six grand slam singles titles, was the youngest Wimbledon champion at age 17.

Becker, is due to travel with the Serb to 2014 events: Australian Open, Dubai, Miami, Monte Carlo, Rome, Roland Garros, Wimbledon, Cincinnati, US Open, Shanghai, Paris and London. Vajda, with Djokovic since 2006, is set work be on-site at Indian Wells, Madrid, Toronto and Beijing. The Djokovic camp said that the decision to bring Becker on board was taken by both Djokovic and Vajda.

“In a few weeks Novak and I will start the eighth year of our cooperation. During that period we have achieved almost all the goals we had,” said the Slovak. “I realized that Novak needed a new head coach in order for him to continue improving certain parts of his game. At the same time I will have more time for my family.

“Becker’s assignment will not affect much my position in the team, since I will do all I can for Novak, just like I did before. On the other hand, choosing Boris as the head coach is a good solution, I am sure we will get along very well, and that Novak will continue to progress.”

Topics: 10sballs.com, Andy Murray, Andy Roddick, Australian Open, Boris Becker, Grand Slams, Ivan Lendl, Jimmy Connors, Maria Sharapova, Marian Vajda, Novak Djokovic, Roland Garros, Tennis, Tennis News, US Open, Wimbledon

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NovakFanClub says:

December 18, 2013 at 9:05 am

“@10sBalls_com: Djokovic Hires Becker As Head Coach – http://t.co/TjPbTI2V2w @DjokerNole @TheBorisBecker #tennis #coach #sports”