Becker on unloved giant Djokovic: “Sometimes it’s annoying to be in your skin”

“I also find it normal somewhere that you not only want to be respected, but also to be loved when you’ve been world class for so long,” said Eurosport expert Boris Becker in the new episode of Eurosport tennis podcasts “The yellow one from the ball” (

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“It’s not really up to him, he’s number one, the best in the world and the outsider is supported. And Novak almost sees it as disrespect that you are not for him,” said Becker Djokovic’s displeasure.

Becker, who trained the now 34-year-old from 2013 to 2016, continues: “I tried to explain to him a few times that it is now for the underdog and not so much against him.”

For himself, respect is more important than love, said Becker. “What is left at the end of the day is respect. Love is an emotion that goes up and down,” explained the six-time Grand Slam champion.

Becker: “Djokovic is an old hand”

Becker regards this year’s triumph on Church Road as well-deserved: “Djokovic was the best player of the tournament because he simply learned to play on grass. It’s a very complex surface if you don’t know how to play on it , then you actually have no chance. “

Another factor for Djokovic’s 20th Grand Slam success, from Becker’s point of view, was the only two-week break between the French Open in Paris, which is played on clay, and the tournament in Wimbledon.

“Such a short time was not enough for many players to get their turf shape. Djokovic is really an old hand and knows how to move on turf, how to win quick points and lo and behold: how to even serve and volley plays – and that as a baseline player “, Becker praised his former protégé.

“Djokovic continues to improve, he plays smarter, he is the most intelligent tennis player and knows how to easily win points on grass,” said Becker, while at the same time criticizing the younger generation for their style of play: “I understand that with young players not that they are still playing, almost stubbornly, two or three meters behind the baseline and believe that they can play tennis successfully on grass. That is not possible! ”

Djokovic started 15 years ago, but learned a lot. “He has improved his serve enormously and comes to the net more often to start a surprise maneuver, but also to be able to easily win the point with a volley,” explained the 53-year-old.

Becker: “Djokovic not only has a game plan A”

And there is another crucial difference between the number one in the world and the rest. “He didn’t play his best tennis and still won Wimbledon. And that says above all that he not only has a schedule A, but B, C or D. That is perhaps the big shortcoming with almost everyone else that they have a game system and if that works, then the young players are world class. If not, then it goes home quickly, “said Becker.

In addition, after his victory at the Australian Open in February, the French Open in June and Wimbledon a few days ago, the Serb is now “only” missing Olympic gold in Tokyo (from July 23rd live on free TV at Eurosport 1 and at Eurosport Joyn +!) And the victory at the US Open in New York (from August 30th to September 12th live on free TV on Eurosport 1 and on Eurosport with Joyn +!).

Djokovic still leaves the Olympic participation open – Becker understands

Due to the corona pandemic, the Olympic competitions in Tokyo will be held in front of empty stands. There are also strict requirements for the athletes, for example they are not allowed to bring family members to Japan. “I’ll have to think about it,” said Djokovic.

In view of the chance of the Grand Slam, Becker would understand why he would not have to forego the Olympics: “He has now won three out of four, that’s his big goal, everything else cannot and shouldn’t interest him, that’s a unique opportunity doesn’t really fit in. I don’t think he’ll play the Olympics until he lands in Tokyo. “

THE YELLOW FROM THE BALL: The Eurosport tennis podcast

(with SID)