Novak Djokovic has described Holger Rune’s decision to start working with Boris Becker as a ‘very good’ but admits he is not looking forward to the prospect of seeing his former mentor sitting in the opposition box.
Recently the Danish 20-year-old announced that he will begin working with six-time Grand Slam champion Becker until at the end of the season. The duo will then review their collaboration before deciding whether to continue working together in the new year.
The partnership has got off to a solid start at this week’s Swiss Indoors where Rune reached his first tour-level semi-final since June. He was knocked out of the tournament on Saturday by sixth seed and defending champion Felix Auger-Aliassime who prevailed 6-2, 6-3. Rune was the highest-ranked player in the draw.
“I think it’s a very good decision from Holger to invite Boris to join his team. Boris is a legend of our sport, someone that understands the game so well from a player’s perspective and coaching perspective,” Djokovic told reporters in Paris on Saturday.
“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 and composed. He was famous for his mental strength and ability to come up with his best game when he was facing the biggest pressure.”
Djokovic was coached by Becker for three years between 2013-2016. During this period, the Serbian won six majors and 14 Masters 1000 titles under his guidance.
“I think for Holger it’s a great move because Holger is a young player who already has established himself in the top 10 of the world,” he continued.
“(But) 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 getting to the top spots of the world.”
Rune has experienced a mixed year on the Tour. During the clay swing, he reached two Masters 1000 finals and won his fourth ATP 250 event in Germany. He then reached the quarter-finals at Wimbledon before failing to win back-to-back matches at his next six tournaments played before breaking that run in Basel. He has also been hampered by a back injury.
Despite those lackluster results, Djokovic believes his peer can become a Grand Slam champion due to his ‘huge potential.’ As for what Becker can do for the Dane, the world No.1 has noticed similarities in his approach to when the German was training him.
“I saw they are playing chess. That was the first thing that Boris introduced to our team,” he commented.
“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 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 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 I love him a lot and his family. I’m really glad that they came together.”
Both Djokovic and Rune are playing at the Paris Masters. They will lock horns in the draw if they both make it through to the quarter-finals. Djokovic is the top seed and a six-time champion of the event. Meanwhile, Rune is seeded sixth and is the reigning champion.
