Boris Becker's thoughts on Novak Djokovic are perfectly clear after Olympics claim
Tennis icon Boris Becker has warned the Serbian that his competition will not rest as the 37-year-old looks to clinch Olympic glory in the twilight of his career.
Tennis legend Boris Becker has claimed he is happy that "the king" Novak Djokovic is still playing at the highest level as he guns for Olympic gold.
The six-time Grand Slam champion acknowledged that Djokovic's winning ways "will not last forever" but admitted he is glad that the Serbian is still playing at the top of his game - and facing off against the stars of the future. Djokovic has shown very little sign of slowing down, however, with the Serbian icon reaching the second round of the Men's Singles at the Olympics on Saturday after he made light work of Australia's Matthew Ebden.
Becker, who coached Djokovic from 2013 to 2016, lifted the lid on the reality of being a sporting legend nearing the end of an illustrious career, admitting that it's "normal" to have younger competitors looking to take your place. However, despite the German's warning, the 24-time Grand Slam winner will be turning back the clock as he gears up to face his old rival and fellow legend Rafael Nadal in a mouth-watering third round clash, as both icons bid for Olympic glory in the twilight of their careers.
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Talking before the Paris games, the 1992 Olympic gold medalist warned Djokovic that his younger rivals won't rest until they've usurped him and that he will eventually have to face the proposition of losing more regularly. The Serbian last won a major in 2023 when he beat Daniil Medvedev in the US Open, however, that victory has been sandwiched by losses in the Wimbledon final to 21-year-old Spanish superstar Carlos Alcaraz.
"Look, the competition never sleeps," Becker said. "Even if you have been used to winning every year, this will not last forever for anybody."
Becker namechecked Alcaraz, world number one Jannick Sinner, and fellow German Alexander Zverev as the players who could continue to present a challenge to the 37-year-old's status as the best in the world. "It is normal that you have new guys like Alcaraz, Sinner and Zverev coming up and knocking at the door. This is evolution," he said.
Becker, 56, who is still the youngest-ever men's singles winner at Wimbledon after he clinched the All England Club title at just 17 in 1985, conceded that he is delighted that Djokovic will be now coming up against tomorrow's champions. Becker also revealed that he believes the best matches are always between the game's young pretenders and the seasoned pros.
"What I can say is I'm happy Novak is still around because you want to see the King, which is Novak, playing against the future kings. These are always the best matches." Becker said.
Djokovic, who is yet to enjoy success at an Olympic Games having won a solitary bronze in 2008, set up a highly anticipated showdown with Nadal after he thrashed Ebden in straight sets. However, the Serbian set headline writers off everywhere after the game claiming the match against the Spaniard could be the pair's "last dance".
"It's one of the matches or one of the events I guess that a lot of people at the Olympics in Paris this year are looking forward to. When the draw came out, we knew that there is a high probability that it might happen, so I'm ready for it. I'm looking forward to our last dance so to say," he said.
However, Nadal, who beat Marton Fucsovics to set up the tie with Djokovic, had other ideas. Despite battling injuries in recent times, and his future in the game beyond the Olympics currently unclear, Nadal was seemingly surprised by his old foe's claim it could be the last match between the pair claiming: "Who says [it's the] last dance?" when asked about the Serbian's comments.
Nadal and Djokovic will meet on Monday, July 29, with the game scheduled as the second match on Court Philippe-Chatrier. A start time post 12:30 pm BST is estimated.
