Novak Djokovic appoints Boris Becker as new head coach

[Omega_7000]

Maybe he'll switch to a wooden racquet while he's at it.

Well he's not going to become a S&V player...but use it more to surprise his opponents and as a change of tactic to keep them guessing...

Also he creates really good angles and does not approach the net even after aggressive shots that paint the lines...Points that he can finish off after good aggressive returns.

 

[jg153040]

6 Grand Slam titles each?

All greats have that. I mean playing style, character, moral standards.

Even his career paths were totally different.

But who knows. Sometimes crazy things work.

Djokovic did a lot of insane things that worked. He was starting to own, then he experimented with his racket. Also he experimented with his serve.

He also experimented with crazy diets and alternative medicine. Also with that high pressure chamber.

So, it seems strange things work for Djokovic.

But great players don't always translate to great coaches.

 

[pug]

It makes perfect sense. Novak needs to improve net game and Becker will help with that big time.

Really happy with this news.

Totally agree. Toward the end of the year Nole pushed forward and showed more desire to shorten points. Impressive move and I hope it will lead to great success. Becker does have a lot of tennis knowledge.

 

[MachiA.]

Germany and Serbia are very connected because of history.
They have a same sense for values.
I am sure Becker can make him to a more complete player.
If this will be rewarded on the homogenized/slowed down courts?

We will see.
Becker had now some serious surgery, hip and ankle and he must take some stronger medicine - he will not run after the ladies anymore.
He will be focused on Djoker.

KR

 

[stringertom]

Great move IF:

1. Everyone around Djok remains and they keep on the same page training-wise.
2. Becker works on his own strengths which are exactly the weakest parts of Djok's game: serve, volley, OVERHEAD!
3. Djok insists Boom Boom go solo for all fun & games.

 

[boris becker 1]

Boris isn't a yes man.

Doubt Boris will travel with him 20 weeks of the year.

 

[racertempo]

Wow, I just read about this hire and I am shocked.

 

[Lazarus]

The news says how BB will accompany Novak in Melbourne, Dubai, Miami, Monte Carlo, Rome, Roland Garros, Wimbledon, Cincinnati, US Open, Shanghai, Paris and London.

Marian Vajda remains a coach in the team and will accompany Novak in Indian Wells, Madrid, Toronto and Beijing.

Vajda states how it was crucial for another coach to be engaged, in order to improve certain aspects of Novak's game, but it was also crucial for Vajda, in order to have more time for private obligations and for his family. Vajda believes how this will not affect too much his position in the team, where he will still provide his maximum dedication.

 

[BHBeguile]

This will certainly improve his net game, but not sure how this helps him with the French. Happy to be proved wrong...

 

[swordtennis]

This will certainly improve his net game, but not sure how this helps him with the French. Happy to be proved wrong...

If there is any hope to dislodge TKOC @ the French one must have a strong service game, net game, droppers and overheads.
Excellent move IMO bringing Boom Boom in.
I just adore BB prob just as much as Lendl. Maybe more....well it is even.....The Terminator is awesome.

Novak needs Boom Boom up there is the stands to help ground him when he is under pressure. Give him the calmness when he looks up to them. The signals and signs that Lendl provides Murray is invaluable.
Djokovic mental is not as strong as his physical. This I hope helps strengthen and heal the mind.

 

[TMF]

Wasn't Becker just saying relatively recently that Djokovic (and Nadal) would have been slaughtered if he played in the 90's? LOL

But this is today, not in the 90s. Otherwise he would reject the offer.

 

[Desertman]

I hope his coaching skills are better than his commentating skills!

 

[3fees]

It might work, time will tell, Nole needs a clay court push to get past Nadul.

 

[cucio]

Amongst all top players I'd say Nole is the one who has the least room for improvement, his tennis is as close to effective perfection as it gets. You can tell Nadal to shorten the points, or Murray to buy himself a friggin' second serve... but Novak? He has all the shots, great conditioning, great mental strength... if I were his coach the only thing I could say is "just keep doing what you do, manage your schedule carefully and try to avoid injuries". Maybe be a bit less emotionally dependent on other people's approval, he really gets down when a match is close and the audience supports the other guy.

And Becker of all people. I am maybe presuming too much here, but Nole strikes me sometimes as emotionally childish. Maybe he has Lendl-envy and wants a pet tennis legend in his bench too?

 

[Blitzball]

Amongst all top players I'd say Nole is the one who has the least room for improvement, his tennis is as close to effective perfection as it gets. You can tell Nadal to shorten the points, or Murray to buy himself a friggin' second serve... but Novak? He has all the shots, great conditioning, great mental strength... if I were his coach the only thing I could say is "just keep doing what you do, manage your schedule carefully and try to avoid injuries". Maybe be a bit less emotionally dependent on other people's approval, he really gets down when a match is close and the audience supports the other guy.

And Becker of all people. I am maybe presuming too much here, but Nole strikes me sometimes as emotionally childish. Maybe he has Lendl-envy and wants a pet tennis legend in his bench too?

I agree-- it's hard to see anyone improving his game to a large degree because his game is so good right now. I mean, he's been number 1 or 2 in the world for the past 3 years, why would he hire Becker who is a legend albeit an inexperienced coach?

 

[newpball]

With Becker as a tennis coach Djokovic will have more women in his bedroom then tennis trophies

Haha!

:grin: :grin: :grin:

 

[millicurie999]

Lendl, Chang, Becker....the 80's is back

 

[Tenez101]

Wtf I just woke up is this true? There's no freaking way.

What is Djokovic smoking? Their styles don't match up at ALL.

 

[Steve0904]

Amongst all top players I'd say Nole is the one who has the least room for improvement, his tennis is as close to effective perfection as it gets. You can tell Nadal to shorten the points, or Murray to buy himself a friggin' second serve... but Novak? He has all the shots, great conditioning, great mental strength... if I were his coach the only thing I could say is "just keep doing what you do, manage your schedule carefully and try to avoid injuries". Maybe be a bit less emotionally dependent on other people's approval, he really gets down when a match is close and the audience supports the other guy.

And Becker of all people. I am maybe presuming too much here, but Nole strikes me sometimes as emotionally childish. Maybe he has Lendl-envy and wants a pet tennis legend in his bench too?

I agree in that Djokovic has the least room for improvement, but I think he could work on his volleys and overheads. The thing about Novak is that the stuff he's "bad" at is not stuff that's essential for success in this era.

 

[Tenez101]

Good move. Let's see if Becker can help him win the French Open, the title Djokovic wants the most.

I'll admit it. I LOL'd at this one.

But out of the 80's greats, I think Lendl matches up the best with Djokovic (not to mention 3 RG's). It's a shame he's already taken, the Djoker-Lendl team would be unstoppable.

 

[10smonkey]

What about this guy? :shock:

I think Djoko is looking to improve his Grass game in order to win Wimbledon, hence this move.

Yeah the grass is so much the same as when BOBO played

 

[Rina]

Germany and Serbia are very connected because of history.
They have a same sense for values.
I am sure Becker can make him to a more complete player.
If this will be rewarded on the homogenized/slowed down courts?

We will see.
Becker had now some serious surgery, hip and ankle and he must take some stronger medicine - he will not run after the ladies anymore.
He will be focused on Djoker.

KR

What values do they have in common? Never heard of this, other than always fighting in wars, against each other? Same sense of values? Kill as many Serbs as you can during wars? Where are you from? You have no clue how different they are, Germans generally dislike Serbs and vice versa.

 

[cucio]

I agree in that Djokovic has the least room for improvement, but I think he could work on his volleys and overheads. The thing about Novak is that the stuff he's "bad" at is not stuff that's essential for success in this era.

Exactly, he doesn't have to be the best volleyer or smasher out there (in fact his volleys are pretty good for an aggressive baseliner, not as good as Fed's or Murray's but better than the average tour baseliner's.)

I don't think improving a bit those shots will give him any more wins at this point, but tinkering with what works very close to perfection could earn him some more losses and shoot down his confidence.

I also agree that Novak could benefit of some talks with Lendl or Connors, people who have walked the walk (thus not Brad Gilbert, lol) and are masters of not giving a damn about what everyone else thinks as long as they get the win.

But Becker?

 

[Overdrive]

Wasn't Becker just saying relatively recently that Djokovic (and Nadal) would have been slaughtered if he played in the 90's? LOL

Yeah, was thinking the same thing. How can Djokovic hire a guy who talks bad about him in public?

And Becker is known for his drug and women problems. This means he is mentally weak. Becker was even making fun of Murray being loyal to his girlfriend.

Becker will make Djokovic mentally weaker and a bad person. How can a coach who thinks your game is not good for the 90s , have positive effects on your confidence?

Yes, he has. Irony eh?

Nole has hired Becker purely for his poker brain because Rafa is the Poker GOAT and Becker is a keen poker player.

We got it the first time, troll.

 

[sureshs]

We will see Nole in short shorts

 

[Bobby Jr]

I'm going to guess that this is more about developing that switch-on pig-headedness that Becker was so good at, that defiance in the face of adversity trait - like facing Nadal on clay for example.

For that reason, and not something technical like helping him get better at the net per se, maybe Becker is really on-board to help him focus on the French Open. Regardless of Becker's lack of success on clay he was a great big situation player and that is what Djokovic would need to get over the FO hump that is Nadal.

 

[pound cat]

Simon Reed of Eurosport doesn't see the need for it.

http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/blogs...okovic-just-doesn-t-add-either-151458138.html

 

[Deleted member 629564]

[content deleted by user]

 

[a10best]

Lendl/Murray works -

Becker and Lendl from the same era

Let's see, Nole owns Australia, makes finals of French, Wimby and USO. His serve is at its best, his return game is outstanding, his mental game has improved a lot towards end of year.
I guess Pete, Andre, Jim, Pat, or Mats were overlooked because of...???

Those guys are mentally tough. And so is Djoker.

Becker did have success against lefty McEnroe though so that could be one reason although Nole beat Nadal 2x the end of this season. It's gotta be the girlfriend angle.

Let it be known I am no fan of Djokovic but I can acknowledge his outstanding mental & physical skills

 

[sureshs]

Surely the change of image is coming :mrgreen:

Djoker is seeking for something new, there was Fibak at USO'13, now it's time for Becker.
To be honest I expect their cooperation will last no longer than a few months...

Is that a real photo or is it photoshopped?

 

[TheF1Bob]

Simon Reed of Eurosport doesn't see the need for it.

http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/blogs...okovic-just-doesn-t-add-either-151458138.html

Simon Reed is a big Nadal supporter.

 

[JRAJ1988]

I have a strange feeling this partnership will be fruitful.

 

[Sid_Vicious]

I don't think I have seen a tennis pro age as poorly as Becker has.

Looking at him now, you would think he played with Mcenroe and Borg as opposed to Edberg and Agassi.

 

[MichaelNadal]

I don't think I have seen a tennis pro age as poorly as Becker has.

Looking at him now, you would think he played with Mcenroe and Borg as opposed to Edberg and Agassi.

I agree. He looked so young when he played too

 

[Mainad]

Simon Reed of Eurosport doesn't see the need for it.

http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/blogs...okovic-just-doesn-t-add-either-151458138.html

Although I've not often agreed with Reed in the past, I think I'm right behind him on this one.

Just what is it that Djokovic is hoping Becker can add to his game? Both have won 6 Slams and are roughly equal in achievements. IMO Djokovic really needs a claycourt champion to help get him that elusive RG title. Becker is hardly the guy who can advise him how best to achieve that? So just what does Djokovic think that Boris can add to his game that existing coaches like Vajda have so far been unable to do?

Well, I guess we'll soon find out!

 

[Sid_Vicious]

I agree. He looked so young when he played too

Lol I think this pic is from 2005

 

[AngieB]

Good move. Let's see if Becker can help him win the French Open, the title Djokovic wants the most.

Boris Becker never won a professional clay court tennis title during his career. I don't think Novak hired Boris for his clay acumen.

AngieB

 

[Djokovic2011]

Although I've not often agreed with Reed in the past, I think I'm right behind him on this one.

Just what is it that Djokovic is hoping Becker can add to his game? Both have won 6 Slams and are roughly equal in achievements. IMO Djokovic really needs a claycourt champion to help get him that elusive RG title. Becker is hardly the guy who can advise him how best to achieve that? So just what does Djokovic think that Boris can add to his game that existing coaches like Vajda have so far been unable to do?

Well, I guess we'll soon find out!

Well you could argue that Lendl wasn't the best choice to advise Murray given that he never won Wimbledon and we all know what happened this year I'm actually quite excited to see how the arrangement develops- as well as Becker and Lendl giving eachother daggers at the changeovers lol!

 

[JRAJ1988]

Lendl and Murray's games where very well suited and they lost 4 slam finals before winning. There where a lot of comparisons.

Becker and Djokovic are opposites though Beckers strengths are Djokovic's weaknesses. Djokovic's benefits may come at the net, maybe more forehand penetration...his smash may improve and mentality maybe more consistent as Djokovic does have those lil' moments of losing his concentration.

I can't wait to see how this pans out, I think retaining the Aussie Open would be a good start.

 

[Mainad]

Well you could argue that Lendl wasn't the best choice to advise Murray given that he never won Wimbledon and we all know what happened this year

That's different. Murray wanted someone to help him win his first Slam after already losing in 3 Slam finals. Hiring Lendl eventually helped him to do that and even to become a multi-Slam winner. As regards Wimbledon, Lendl had at least made 2 finals there even if he never managed to win one. Becker, on the other hand, won exactly the same number of Slam titles that Djokovic has already managed with his existing coaching team and, unlike Djokovic, never ever reached even one RG final, the one Slam Djokovic most needs to win at this point in his career. While Lendl clearly gave Murray the confidence he needed to become a Slam winner, precisely what confidence is Djokovic hoping to gain from Becker?

I'm actually quite excited to see how the arrangement develops- as well as Becker and Lendl giving eachother daggers at the changeovers lol!

I'm curious too! :wink:

 

[Bartelby]

The two might be also embarking on a wider business partnership, at a guess, so that would sweeten the deal.

 

[Nostradamus]

Becker is too dumb to coach. He is more interested in women than in tennis

 

[pound cat]

Becker is too dumb to coach. He is more interested in women than in tennis

especially women in closets...

 

[jaggy]

Best news is it keeps him out the commentary box.

 

[Hawkeye7]

What a train wreck. Can't wait to see how it unfolds. lol

 

[darrinbaker00]

Be afraid Rafa- be VERY afraid!:}

Actually, Jelena Ristic should be afraid. With Boris constantly chirping in Novak's ear, it'll only be a matter of time before she gets dumped for a black woman.

 

[Djokovic2011]

Actually, Jelena Ristic should be afraid. With Boris constantly chirping in Novak's ear, it'll only be a matter of time before she gets dumped for a black woman.

Gotta say this made me chuckle- very funny mate

 

[Forehand Of Doom]

First Dr. Igor, now Boris. Camp Djokovic should move its headquarters to Transylvania.

 

[Maximagq]

Not sure of how the effects of this partnership will work, but hoping for a good coaching relationship between Boris and Novak!

 

[helloworld]

Becker has a lot to offer to Djokovic, especially on the women and drinking department. :lol: