Novak Djokovic: Boris Becker gives the all-clear with regard to the French Open – podcast Das Gelbe vom Ball

After his success at the Australian Open in January, Novak Djokovic has a specific goal in mind: Grand Slam title number 23. This would make the 35-year-old the most successful tennis player of all time.

Despite recent disappointing results on sand, Boris Becker does not see this project in danger. “It’s business as usual at the moment. He’s really using the clay court tournaments to get in shape for Roland-Garros. He’s not worried about that,” said Eurosport expert Becker in the podcast Das Gelbe vom Ball.

“He looked fresh during the first training session in Rome with Jannik Sinner. I think he’ll hit the spot powerfully in Paris,” continued the 55-year-old, who was Djokovic’s coach from 2013 to 2016.

The German tennis icon knows how ambitious his former protégé will be on the court in Paris: “He wants to be the most successful player in history and has the unique opportunity to achieve that with his 23rd major victory.”

• The entire podcast with Boris Becker:

Becker on possible mental stress for Djokovic

However, the Eurosport expert does not believe that Djokovic could possibly suffer from any particular mental stress before the French Open. “Novak can deal with this pressure, otherwise he wouldn’t have won in Melbourne and won his 22nd title,” said the 55-year-old, adding: “He solved that perfectly and played better than worse over the course of the tournament .”

Becker, on the other hand, expects difficulties elsewhere: “The problem is more of keeping the tension from the end of January to the end of May. He has to play enough tennis and keep fit because it’s going to be full again.”

According to Becker, Djokovic’s age also plays a role: “He will also be 36 these days and has other hobbies and interests besides the tennis court. A family with two children and professional activities. There to keep the concentration and to know, in two weeks I have to play my best tennis – that’s the challenge for Novak Djokovic.”

The Djoker took the next step on the way to top form at the French Open on Friday evening. At the ATP Masters in Rome, the dress rehearsal for Roland-Garros, Djokovic defeated Argentinian Tomas Martin Etcheverry 7: 6 (7: 5), 6: 2.