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Novak Djokovic has commended Holger Rune for bringing Boris Becker into his team.
Djokovic was quizzed about the new union in a press conference ahead of the Paris Masters, where the Serbian lost in last season’s final against Rune.
The world No 1 has spoken often of his deep friendship with Becker who was also part of his technical team for a spell.
“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.”
Djokovic feels that Becker can help Rune become more consistent in his game, which will allow him to become an even better player.
He feels that Becker will add a lot to the mental game and noted that the German and the Dane have been playing chess.
“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.
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