Novak Djokovic reveals he will feel ‘uncomfortable’ seeing Boris Becker in Rooney’s box
Novak Djokovic believes Holger Rohn joining forces with Boris Becker is a “good decision” but admitted he is not looking forward to seeing his former coach in the opposition team.
Djokovic is set to return to the Paris Masters next week, where he is a six-time champion, after a month away from the ATP Tour.
The boss returns. #RolexParisMasters | @DjokerNole pic.twitter.com/7bb8RSWerZ
— ROLEX PARIS MASTERS (@RolexPMasters) October 28, 2023
The Serb is competing in both singles and doubles this year, with Djokovic playing alongside compatriot Miomir Kecsmanovic in preparation for the upcoming Davis Cup quarter-final against Great Britain.
And he was asked by the press in Paris what he thought of the new partnership between Rune and Becker, “I think it’s a very good decision by Holger to invite Boris to join his team.”
Djokovic continued, “Boris is a legend in our sport, someone who understands the game so well from a player’s and coaching perspective.
“He’s been in the game for so many years. He has seen and played against different players in different generations. Incredibly intelligent, intelligent person, very confident and composed. He was famous for his mental strength and his ability to play his best when he was under the most pressure.”
The 36-year-old coach was the German between 2013 and 2016, winning six Grand Slam titles and 14 Masters 1000 crowns.
Rohn and Becker had their first official tournament this week in Basel, with the Dane knocked out at the semi-final stage as he turns his attention to defending his title at the Paris Masters.
Before reaching the semi-finals in Basel this week, Rooney had struggled for form, having won just one of his last 11 matches.
Djokovic was beaten by Rooney in the final in the French capital last year and the world No.1 hinted that Becker can help the Dane excel at the next level.
“I think for Holger it’s a great move because Holger is a young player who has already established himself in the top 10 in the world,” Djokovic said. “(But) It’s one thing to get to the top 10 and get into the top 10 and it’s another thing to get to a different level and start winning slams and getting into the top rankings in the world.”
Djokovic also admitted he wasn’t looking forward to the prospect of facing Rooney again in Paris, “I saw them playing chess. This was the first thing that Boris introduced to our team. I think it’s great for mental clarity and strategy.
“Boris is a dear friend, someone who has been through a lot in the last years of his life. I’m very happy to see him back on tour as a coach.”
The 24-time major winner added: “It probably won’t be as nice and comfortable for me to see him in the opposite box if I face Holger because that hasn’t happened yet. But at the same time, I have maintained a friendly relationship with Boris and he knows that I love him and his family very much. I’m very happy that they came together.”
Djokovic and Rooney will only meet in Paris if they reach the quarter-finals, with both players skipping the first round after receiving byes as top eight seeds.
Inside the baseline…
Novak Djokovic understandably has mixed feelings about Boris Becker returning to the ATP Tour, as Holger Rune will be the only other player he has coached. However, there already seems to be some kind of success for the Dane as he managed to win back-to-back matches for the first time since reaching the Wimbledon quarter-finals.
READ MORE – Paris Masters 2023 preview: When is it, who’s playing and what’s the prize money?
Novak Djokovic vs Holger Rohn head to head
Although Djokovic has the greatest achievements in the sport, it is actually the 20-year-old who has the best so far:
Djokovic vs Rooney: 1-2
- Djokovic beats Rooney, 6-1 6(5)-7 6-2 6-1 (2021 US Open First Round)
- Rooney beats Djokovic 3-6 6-3 7-5 (2022 Paris Masters Final)
- Rooney beats Djokovic 6-2 4-6 6-2 (2023 Italian Open Quarterfinals)
Paris ’22: Rooney defeats 6-time champion Djokovic
Rome ’23: Rounos defeats 6-time champion Djokovic🥶 @holgerrune2003 #IBI23 pic.twitter.com/FdCPs0Nbwq
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) May 17, 2023
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