Boris Becker talks about Djokovic, the U.S. Open
Best known for winning Wimbledon at 17, Boris Becker has forged a long career in and outside of tennis. The 46-year-old father of four took a more prominent role in the sport this year by joining No. 1 Novak Djokovic’s entourage as head coach. On the 25th
Q: You beat Ivan Lendl 7-6 (7-2), 1-6, 6-3, 7-6 (7-4) to win your only U.S. Open title. What are your memories of that match?
A: First of all, Ivan was the man to beat — he was playing his eighth consecutive Open final, a tough accomplishment in itself. That same year I beat him in five sets in the Wimbledon semifinals, so I felt I had a good chance. I had to serve big, come to the net often, and it worked out. Ivan in his prime was very, very tough on any surface.
Q: Was that the crucial match of tournament?
A: In the second round against Derrick Rostagno, I was down two match points. One of them I hit the tip of the net — otherwise he had a pretty open volley. I must admit I got a little bit lucky.
Q: You also made it to three semifinals in New York but won a lone title. Why didn’t you have more success?
A: For a European, the scene in New York with the noise, the crowd and back in the day the airplanes — after a very calm and re- laxed Wimbledon it was pretty much the opposite. I was uncomfortable for many years. I didn’t understand the language that well. I didn’t understand the New Yorkers as such. It took me a little bit to get used to all the circumstances. It was a long hardcourt season and I always felt I was a little bit tired at the end of the summer. I’m happy I won it once.
Q: Whom did you consider your toughest opponent?
A: Andre Agassi. (Becker was 4-10 against Agassi in his career.) He had the best return in the game in my time and maybe ever. I was just attacking his strengths. I did beat him a couple of times, but he was the most difficult player for me to compete against. He had an amazing backhand return, and the forehand wasn’t shabby either.
Q: You made some recent comments about not being friends with Djokovic but respecting each other. What did you mean?
A: It was a bunch of nonsense. I have a different private life than he has because I’m 20 years older.
That’s it. It’s a very good relationship.
Q: What has it been like to coach a player like Djokovic?
A: I think we’ve answered that already on the court. It’s a big challenge for both of us. The mission from the beginning of the year was to win a Grand Slam and get back to No. 1. We’ve accomplished that. But it’s only July or August. The goal is now to win the Open.
Q: Did you think you might have been out of a job if he lost the Wimbledon final?
A: No. Why are you asking (laughs)? This isn’t a quick fix.
Q: Can you share with us any little things that have been most satisfying in working with Djokovic?
A: I’m really amazed by how much he wants to improve. He’s a true perfectionist. He wants to play the perfect game, the perfect match, the perfect tournament. It goes without saying this is very difficult to achieve on a weekly basis, but that’s his goal. After having won so much already, I think that’s a wonderful character trait to have.
Q: What can you teach him on hardcourts?
A: Definitely no dives on hard- courts, please. I would like to see him controlling more the baseline rallies. Because of his physicality, he gets away with being 4 to 5 feet behind the baseline and still winning the point. When he plays his best, he controls the center of the court.
Q: What’s your best memory from the U.S. Open?
A: Any night match you play is special. You’re talking the New York crowd, incredible people, celebrities. Any night match you feel like the house belongs to you if you play well. If not, they boo you off the court. If you play well, it’s the best court to play tennis.