Novak Djokovic: Boris Becker reveals the TRUE reason he split from tennis star
NOVAK DJOKOVIC was suffering from “burn out” by the time he ended his working relationship with coach and former player Boris Becker.
Boris Becker reveals why he stopped coaching Novak Djokovic
That is according to German tennis great Becker himself, who admits he wasn’t needed anymore when he and Djokovic parted ways two years ago.
Becker coached Serbian star Djokovic for three years before leaving his post in 2016.
Djokovic won six Grand Slam titles during their time together but endured a miserable 2017 season blighted by injuries.
And Becker admits it was the right time to leave the now-31-year-old.
Then there was no need for me anymore
“It was a great time, three years working together,” he told The One Show.
“It’s a time I miss. But everything has it’s time.
“He had some injury problems, had surgery and was a bit burned out. Then there was no need for me anymore.”
Becker is set to be a pundit during the ATP World Tour Finals in London next week.
Rafael Nadal’s withdrawal through injury means Novak Djokovic will top the rankings at the end of the season.
And Becker is delighted the 14-time Grand Slam champion is back to his best.
“We stay close, we call each other often and I’m so happy for him to come back,” he said.
“Because at the beginning of the year he didn’t look so good.
“He was out of the top 20, was injured and had lost his mojo.
“All of a sudden Wimbledon comes around, he wins the championship and off he goes!”
Djokovic will play Alexander Zverev, Marin Cilic and John Isner in the group stage of the ATP Finals next week.
Roger Federer, Kevin Anderson, Dominic Thiem and Kei Nishikori make up the other group.
And Becker gave his assessment of the ATP Finals groups, which he drew.
“I would reckon the Novak Djokovic group is the tougher one,” the ex-coach said.
“Djokovic, Zverev, Cilic, Isner is a pretty rough one.
“On the other hand the Kevin Anderson isn’t too bad either on serving.
“Normally the big servers prefer indoors because they have the advantage.
“Roger Federer has a big serve.”