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Former world No. 1 Boris Becker has revealed that one of the main reasons behind his split with Novak Djokovic was the Serb wanting to take a break. Under the guidance of Becker, Djokovic won multiple Grand Slams --- including a Career Grand Slam -- and held the world No.
1 spot for most of their partnership. But after claiming a long-awaited French Open title in 2016 and finally completing a Career Grand Slam, Djokovic appeared to be struggling with his motivation. In December 2016, Djokovic confirmed the rumors that had been swirling for some time and announced the split from Becker.
"Novak will always be a very close friend . We stopped working together in late 2016 because he wanted to take a break. Then problems with his elbow appeared and he had a surgery in the spring of 2017. It was an intense and very successful three years, at some point, a Djokovic-level superstar also needs to take a break," Becker told Eurosport Germany, as revealed on Punto de Break.
Boris Becker was straight honest from Day 1
When Becker stated working with Djokovic, he didn't hold back as he he told the Serb honestly how he felt about his game. "I visited Djokovic in Monte Carlo and we talked for 48 hours about tennis.
It came just after losing No. 1. I promised him that I would behave in the only way that works: to be honest. I told him maybe it wasn't that good because nothing had improved since he became No. 1. Nadal and Federer have adjusted their game, instead, I told him that I did not like his position on the court nor did I like his serve, not at all," Becker said.
Fortunately for Becker, it all went smooth as Djokovic was looking for ways to improve his game. "We had a long conversation. He had already won many Grand Slam titles and was an absolute superstar, but he was not satisfied with himself and looked for more.
I have to give him credit for that," Becker said. The biggest stars from the new generation haven't yet managed to win a Grand Slam. "(Dominic) Thiem has already been to three Grand Slam finals, (Alexander) Zverev and (Stefanos) Tsitsipas have reached the semifinals.
None of them, however, has yet achieved success. Why? On the one hand the three greats are extremely strong and have been consistent for 15 years, on the other, maybe they are not good enough," Becker said. Boris Becker captured six Grand Slam titles during his successful career.