Becker backs Djokovic to bounce back
Johannesburg [South Africa], Nov. 23 (ANI): German tennis legend Boris Becker has backed Novak Djokovic to bounce back from a disappointing end to 2016 season.
ANI
Nov 23, 2016 16:19 IST
Johannesburg [South Africa], Nov. 23 (ANI): German tennis legend Boris Becker has backed Novak Djokovic to bounce back from a disappointing end to 2016 season. Djokovic, the former world number one, lost the first ATP World Tour Finals series title for the first time in four years when British ace Andy Murray defeated him in straight sets on Sunday in London. Murray dethroned Djokovic 6-3, 6-4 in a contest that lasted for an hour and 43 minutes to earn his first title at the ATP finals and make sure he remained No. 1 until next season. The 29-year-old Briton took over the top spot on November 7 after winning his eighth title of the season at the Paris Masters. Since then, Djokovic been going through a rough patch. But Becker believes this recent hardship of Djokovic could be used as a catalyst for motivation. "This could potentially be a turnaround for Novak Djokovic's 2017," Becker, who has coached Djokovic to six grand slam titles in the past three years, was quoted as saying by Sport24. "As much as this loss is going to hurt him, it's probably going to inspire him to be re-motivated, re-energized for next year. Maybe it was a good thing in the end," he added. The 29-year-old Serb, who had outstanding first six months, looked unstoppable after claiming the first two slams of the year. But motivation has been an issue for Djokovic following the crucial French Open win which saw him earn a career grand slam. "The first six months were outstanding.His pinnacle was winning the French Open and winning four majors in a row. It hasn't been done since 1969 by a player called Rod Laver," Beckar said. "Naturally, his motivation was a bit off afterwards. He really didn't know what the next big goal would be. Our hands [the coaching staff] were a little bit tied. He was focusing on off-court priorities, he wanted to spend more time with his family, he has other business interests," the German legend added. The current number two will now look to defend his Australian Open title- the event he has won the last five years- in January 2017. (ANI)
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