Novak Djokovic has hailed Holger Rune for bringing the former world No.1 and his ex-coach Boris Becker into his team while adding that he is not looking forward to seeing the German in the opponent’s player box.
Gearing up to return at the next week’s Paris Master 1000, Djokovic was quizzed about the Rune joining forces with his former coach in a press conference ahead of the tourney, where the 24-time major winner last year’s championship match to Rune.
The Serbian who has always been open about his strong bonding with Becker both as a coach and friend, responded to the query.
“I think it’s a very good decision from Holger to invite Boris to join his team,” Djokovic said.
“Boris is legend of our sport, someone that, you know, understands the game so well from a player’s perspective, coaching perspective.
“He’s been around the game for so many years. He’s seen and played against different players in different generations.
“Incredibly intelligent, smart man, very confident, obviously composed. You know, he was famous for his mental strength and ability to come up with his best game when he was facing the biggest pressure.
“So I think for Holger, it’s a great move because, you know, Holger is a young player who already has established himself in the top 10 of the world, but obviously, it’s one thing to reach the top 10 and to break into top 10, and it’s something else to get to a different level and start winning slams and, you know, getting to the top spots of the world.
“So he’s learning about it.”
The World No. 1 feels Becker may help the 20-year-old with developing consistency which in turn will allow him become a better player. Djokovic also added that the 6-time Grand Slam winner will lift up the mental game of Dane.
“It’s normal that he’s experiencing some kind of oscillations and ups and downs with his results,” Djokovic added.
“But, you know, I have known Holger for quite a few years. We trained when he was younger than he is now in Monte-Carlo, and I really like his game. I think he’s got huge potential, potential to be a Grand Slam winner, no doubt. So I’m sure that Boris will be able to help improve his game overall.
“I saw they are playing chess. That was the first thing that Boris introduced to our team, as well, playing chess. I think it’s great, you know, for focus and I think just mental clarity and strategy.
“Boris is a dear friend, someone who has been through a lot in the last several years of his life. I’m really glad to see him back on the tour as a coach.
“It’s probably not going to be that nice and comfortable for me seeing him, if I face Holger, seeing him in the opposite box, because that hasn’t happened yet. If it does, obviously that’s not a great feeling. But at the same time, I have maintained a friendly relationship with Boris and he knows I really love him a lot and his family.
“I’m really glad that they came together,” Djokovic added.
The 36-year-old was under Becker’s tutelage between 2013 and 2016 and racked up 6 major titles and 14 Masters 1000 crowns during that period.
After taking a month away from the ATP circuit, Djokovic is competing in both singles and doubles this year’s Rolex Paris Masters as he will pair with compatriot Miomir Kecmanovic alongside whom the 24-time GS champion also plans to play double runner in the upcoming quarterfinals of the Davis Cup against Great Britain.
Meanwhile, Rune and Becker had their first official tournament in Basel last week where the 55-year-old’s charge reached semis. The world #6 is a defending champion at Bercy Masters and will set to clash with Djokovic if he gets a deep run in the final tournament of the regular men’s tennis season.
Novak Djokovic Vs. Holger Rune Head-to-Head
Novak Djokovic has mixed feelings about Boris’ new pairing on the tour as his new charge has managed successive win for the first time since reaching the quarters at the All England Club. Despite the fact that Rune struggled for form and fitness and only won one of his last 11 matches, before entering the Basel Open, he is one better than Djokovic in their head-to-head series.
Djokovic vs Rune: 1-2
Djokovic def Rune (US Open R1 2021)
Rune def Djokovic (Paris Masters Final 2022)
Rune def Djokovic (Italian Open Quarter 2023)