Commitment the key for Becker to unite with Novak

BORIS BECKER has not ruled out a coaching reunion with Novak Djokovic but says the Serb must first rediscover his love of the game.

Becker also explained how Djokovic lost motivation after winning last year’s French Open, which was his first triumph at Roland Garros and meant he held all four Grand Slam titles.

Since then, the 29-year-old has endured early exits at Wimbledon and the Olympics before crashing out in the Australian Open second round to wildcard Denis Istomin last week.

He also surrendered the world No.1 ranking to Andy Murray in November.

Djokovic split with Becker at the end of last season and has said he is not looking to replace the six-time major champion.

Becker, however, did not close off the possibility of a return. He said: “I have high hopes for Novak. He just has to re-focus.

“Would I go back and coach him? I’ll always be a friend and I’ll always be in his corner. I don’t know, let’s see what happens.

“I learnt a lot from my time coaching Novak. I used to think I know how tennis was played today. I didn’t know before I worked with Novak. I think it’s a whole different experience and I’m very grateful for it. Let’s see what the future brings.”

Djokovic’s shock defeat in Melbourne means he is now unlikely to claim back the top spot until after Wimbledon at the earliest.

Becker admits his former charge’s success at the French Open seven months ago altered his perspective.

“You have to prioritise tennis again and I hope he does,” Becker said.

“People don’t realise what it takes to win one Grand Slam. He won four in a row, he was the holder of the real Grand Slam.

“A lifelong dream was fulfilled. Of course the bubble burst. Of course the motivation goes a bit. To get it back you have to go back to the practice court and it’s not easy when you’ve been on top.”

Meanwhile, Great Britain are set to be without Murray for their Davis Cup clash with Canada next weekend after he was not named in the initial four-man team.

Captain Leon Smith has not ruled out adding the Scot should he change his mind about playing in the World Group first-round tie in Ottawa, starting on February 3.

“We will continue to speak with Andy regarding his potential involvement and if he decides he would like to be part of the team then we can of course change the nominations as necessary,” said Smith.