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 After Djokovic was named ITF World Champion for 2013, despite
being overshadowed by Spain's Rafa Nadal, Serbia's world number two
announced the first shake-up of his team since a short and
unsuccessful spell with Todd Martin in 2009.
Djokovic's decision to work with 46-year-old Becker means two of the
current "Big Four" are now coached by former greats with Lendl
helping Britain's Andy Murray to the 2012 U.S. Open title and this
year's Wimbledon crown.
"I am really excited to have the opportunity to work with Boris,"
the 26-year-old Djokovic said in a statement on his website
(www.novakdjokovic.com).
"He is a true legend, someone who has great tennis knowledge and his
experience will help me win new trophies from the grand slams and
other tournaments. Becker is a great person, too, and I am sure he
will fit in our team in the best possible way."
Becker, like Djokovic a six-times grand slam champion, will replace
the Serb's long-time coach Marian Vajda, although the Slovakian will
remain part of the team.
The last time Djokovic tinkered with his close-knit entourage he
brought in former American player Martin but the relationship was
terminated in 2010 after a less than fruitful year together.
Becker will travel to all the grand slam tournaments with Djokovic,
starting with next month's Australian Open where the world number
two is bidding for a fourth consecutive title, having twice beaten
Murray in the final.
"I am proud Novak invited me to become his head coach," Becker, the
youngest player to win Wimbledon when aged 17, said in the
statement.
"I will do my best to help him reach his goals, and I am sure we can
achieve great things together."
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ENTICING PROSPECT
Becker and Lendl in opposite camps is an enticing prospect. The 22 matches they played in the 1980s and early 90s always
contained an undercurrent of friction, with the stony-faced
Czech Lendl clearly agitated by the man nicknamed Boom Boom.
While Lendl edged their rivalry 12-10 it was Becker who won the
three grand slam finals they contested, most notably the 1986
Wimbledon final which Lendl had set his heart on winning.
Becker once accused Lendl of not being "mentally tough" while
Lendl hit back saying Becker did not have the guts to say things
to his face in the locker room.
The passing of years has mellowed both men but their competitive
edges will return in a few weeks when the new season starts with
the build-up to the Australian Open.
Djokovic will hope Becker has a similar impact to Lendl's on
Murray as he strives to regain the world number one ranking from
Nadal who dominated 2013, winning the French Open and U.S. Open
titles on the way to the top of the rankings.
"My goal for 2014 is to play my best tennis and to get in shape
for the Grand Slams and Masters 1000," Djokovic said.
"These tournaments have the most weight in our sport, and I want
to prove my worth at them. The team is now strengthened and we
hope for maximum results."
Djokovic will begin the year as ITF World Champion after
surprisingly edging out Nadal for the award.
"Rafael Nadal made a remarkable comeback from injury with two
grand slam wins, but it is Novak Djokovic's consistent results
across all four Slams, Davis Cup and the ATP World Tour Finals
that see him named World Champion," ITF President Francesco
Ricci Bitti said on Wednesday.
(Additional reporting by Josh Reich)
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