Boris Becker: 'Today Djokovic Does it best of all. Lendl was something of a pioneer'

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Six-time Grand Slam champion Boris Becker says that former World No. 1 Ivan Lendl was one of the first players to do everything 100 per cent professionally in the sport, while speaking on the sidelines of Germany's Davis Cup tie against Belarus.

Lendl turns 60 years old on Saturday and the two were rivals on court when they played together in the 1980's. Becker commented, "I really appreciate him. He is still one of the best coaches in the world for me. He was perhaps the first one hundred percent professional to do everything from racket stringers to physio to diet.

I don't know who lived tennis one hundred percent before him. Today it is Novak who does it best of all. Ivan was something of a pioneer. ” Lendl was World No. 1 for 270 weeks and won 8 Grand Slam singles titles during his career.

He also won 94 singles titles, seven year-end championships and was the runner-up at the Grand Slams on 11 occasions. After retirement, he also become a renowned coach - working with Andy Murray and helping the Scot win three Grand Slams and two Olympic gold medals during their time together.

He also worked with Becker's countryman Alexander Zverev but their collaboration lasted less than a year. The two players met 21 times during their careers - with Lendl winning on 11 occasions and Becker 10. Lendl won all the majors except for Wimbledon, where Becker beat him 3 times in their career.