Boris Becker believes Novak Djokovic was rocked out of his stride by his ultimate match of 2023, however he has backed the world No 1 to ‘rediscover his mojo’ on the French Open.
Talking to Tennis365 at a discovery+ and Eurosport occasion forward of the second Grand Slam of the yr, three-time Wimbledon champion Becker prompt final November’s Davis Cup defeat by the hands of Jannik Sinner stung for the participant he coached between 2013 and 2016.
Djokovic served for that match in Malaga, however appeared to lose his nerve unexpectedly as Sinner stormed again in that match and finally led Italy to Davis Cup glory.
Sinner has been a stand-out performer in males’s tennis since that second, with Djokovic shedding his approach after an unsure begin to 2024, however Becker is backing his former cost to silence his doubters in Paris.
“I feel shedding the Davis Cup for Serbia harm him quite a bit. That took quite a lot of juice away from him and a few of his magic,” stated Eurosport tennis knowledgeable Becker.
“This yr he has not been the identical. He has by no means obtained his greatest type and each match has been a battle.
“That is the overriding query, what retains on driving him as he prepares to hitch the
“After the yr he had final yr when he received three out of 4 Grand Slams, being within the ultimate of all 4 after which profitable the ATP Finals, you ask what’s subsequent.
“He obtained to the semi-finals on the Australian Open and misplaced to Jannik Sinner and also you say, okay he an excellent participant.
“Then you definitely suppose he’ll choose it up. He’ll win one among Indian Wells and Miami, then he goes into the clay courtroom and once more, it didn’t occur.
“Then comes the break up with Goran and I see his match in Monte Carlo towards (Casper) Ruud and he didn’t look the identical previous, as he did earlier than.
“He has not misplaced play tennis, in fact not, however he’s solely enjoying for the majors now and attempting to cowl the time in between with just a few tournaments is hard, however I feel he’ll get his mojo again.
“He’s coming again to Roland Garros, the place he received final yr and it’s all the time good to return to someplace the place you’ve got received final yr.
“I do know he hasn’t received this yr, however he has received 24 majors so everybody will see a distinct Novak Djokovic when the primary spherical begins at Roland Garros, I’m positive about that.”
Becker went on to query the timing of Djokovic’s break up with long-time coach Goran Ivanisevic, as he prompt his stand-in coach Nenad Zimonjic might not have the identical gravtias as he works with the Serbian for the primary time in a Grand Slam on the French Open.
“I used to be very shocked in regards to the break up with Goran. Extra importantly, the timing of it in March,” added Becker.
“All good issues come to an finish they usually have had an unimaginable partnership collectively. I feel they’ve received 12 Grand Slams.
“However usually you make this sort of change in November, December. So to do that in March was shocking for me.
“Additionally, the truth that he doesn’t have one other massive title coach was shocking to me.
“Even Novak wants phrases of knowledge on occasion. Not every single day, however in essential moments and often a Grand Slam is a crucial second for him.
“So I’m shocked by the scenario proper now. I do know Zimo (Nenad Zimonjic) and he is aware of quite a bit about tennis, however Novak has been used to having a man in his nook like Goran or me who has received Grand Slams. So it’s a distinct method you’ve got with a participant.
“Novak is an excellent buddy of mine, so I want him nothing however the very best, however this can be a shocking second in his profession.”
#Boris #Becker #reveals #second #Novak #Djokovic #misplaced #magic #questions #massive #resolution
