Djokovic says Becker will improve Holger Rune’s game

The German will bring mental strength to the young Dane, Djokovic says

Gepa/Panoramic

October 28, 2023

If anyone knows what Boris Becker will bring to the game of Holger Rune, it’s Novak Djokovic.

The Serb worked with Becker for three years from the end of 2013 to the end of 2016, during which time Djokovic won six Grand Slam titles, including his first Roland-Garros crown.

Becker and Rune joined forces earlier this month and Djokovic is in no doubt that the three-time former Wimbledon champion will have a positive effect.

Boris Becker employs unorthodox move to help Holger Rune – Tennis365 good 👍 move from @TheBorisBecker the backwards hat especially indoors hmm 🤔 the little things go along way’s sometimes 💪🙏😎👍👊 https://t.co/0s8tBHSr2l
— Brad Gilbert (@bgtennisnation) October 28, 2023

“I think it’s a very good decision from Holger to invite Boris to join his team,” Djokovic said, at the Paris Masters on Saturday. “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 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. It’s normal that he’s experiencing some kind of oscillations and ups and downs with his results. 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.”

Serbia's Novak Djokovic with then coach Boris Becker during a practice session at the 2016 Australian Open — AI/Reuters/Panoramic

Chess will help Rune, Djokovic says

Djokovic said he had noticed that Becker had introduced chess to Rune, another thing he said would help the Dane as he negotiates the tricky first few years on Tour, having already established himself in the top 10.

“I saw they are playing chess,” Djokovic said. “That was the first thing that Boris introduced to our team, as well, playing chess. I think it’s great 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 relation with Boris and he knows I really love him a lot and his family. I’m really glad that they came together.”