Novak Djokovic faces challenging return from injury, says Boris Becker
Novak Djokovic will have to overcome tough mental challenges to return to his best winning ways after injury, says his former coach Boris Becker.
The Serb has struggled for fitness this year due to a persistent elbow injury, but he is believed to be set for a comeback at Indian Wells this month.
However, while Becker is confident Djokovic can reclaim his best form, he has warned it may be some time before we see it.
“Mentally is going to be the biggest challenge,” he said.
“How much you accept to do the dirty work like Monday morning practice, and the first and second round of tournaments when you are expected to win and it is hot and windy conditions?
“Usually they say the amount of time you have been away takes you the same amount to come back to your previous level, and I hope that is not the case for Djokovic because that would mean the end of the year.”
“It would be a lot to expect him (Djokovic) to come back and win his first tournament at a Grand Slam. Rafa [Nadal] and [Roger] Federer have set examples of coming back but they are not normal. Usually it takes time.”
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