Novak Djokovic offers support to family of Boris Becker
Novak Djokovic says that jailed former tennis star Boris Becker is like a member of his own family and revealed that he has offered support to the family of the German.
Becker was imprisoned after being found guilty of hiding assets from authorities following a bankruptcy ruling.
Djokovic says that he has not been in direct communication with Becker in prison but has sent his best wishes through family members.
Becker’s girlfriend Lilian de Carvalho Monteiro and his eldest son Noah have been invited guests in Djokovic’s player’s box in his Centre Court matches in the opening two rounds of the Championships Wimbledon.
“I haven’t been communicating directly to him, but I’ve been communicating to him through them.
“I was really glad to have hosted his girlfriend and his son, Noah, to my first round and now today’s second-round match.” Djokovic said of his contact with Becker.
The 20-time Grand Slam winner has been left heartbroken by Becker’s woes.
He added: “I’ve just been trying to give support to people around him, his closest people, his family members, because I consider Boris really a family member, someone that I greatly appreciate, respect, and care about.”
Djokovic employed Becker in his coaching team for three years between 2013-2016.
During their alliance, the Serbian won six of his 20 Grand Slam titles and he says that he grew close to Becker and his family.
“We’ve been through a lot together during those three years of collaboration.
“Our relationship dates back even before that.
“Of course, after we finished our professional relationship, we always stayed close, him with my team, with my agents, with my family,” Djokovic continued.
“It breaks my heart to see what’s happening to him. I can only imagine how hard it is for his family members. So, of course, this is a little gesture of friendship to invite them.”
Becker had been a vocal supporter of Djokovic through the Australia Open vaccine saga even as his legal tribulations reached a fever pitch.
Djokovic made quick work of Thanasi Kokkinakis to advance to the third round at Wimbledon where he will face compatriot Miomir Kecmanović in the Round of 32.
Latest
-
WTA Tour
Iga Swiatek is ‘bagel queen’ again as sets stunning records with Indian Wells win
Swiatek now has the most titles after her first 23 WTA level finals in the Open Era.
-
WTA Tour
Emma Raducanu handed glorious chance to seal huge rankings boost
Raducanu about to enter a phase of her year that will offer huge potential for a rankings surge.
-
ATP Tour
Jannik Sinner gives injury update as he makes it clear he will only play in Miami on one condition
The Indian Wells Open defeat to Carlos Alcaraz was a “tough one to swallow” for Jannik Sinner.
-
WTA Tour
WTA Rankings Winners and Losers from Indian Wells: Angie Kerber +265, Naomi Osaka +58, Emma Raducanu -38
Angelique Kerber, Caroline Wozniacki and Naomi Osaka set for big jumps.
-
ATP Tour
Pundit identifies turning point in Carlos Alcaraz-Jannik Sinner match – ‘It was on Sinner’s racket’
‘Phenomenal’ Carlos Alcaraz praised for changing tactics.
-
ATP Tour
What Carlos Alcaraz’s win over Jannik Sinner means for rankings as Novak Djokovic opens door for chasing pack
Carlos Alcaraz claimed a double win at the Indian Wells Open.
-
ATP Tour
Carlos Alcaraz reveals what gives him extra motivation to beat Jannik Sinner
Carlos Alcaraz also revealed how he changed his game to beat Jannik Sinner.
-
ATP Tour
Jannik Sinner reveals huge injury scare in comment to Carlos Alcaraz in Indian Wells
Jannik Sinner appeared to suffer wrist and calf injuries in his defeat against Carlos Alcaraz.
-
ATP Tour
Jannik Sinner crashes to his first defeat of the season in epic Indian Wells showdown
Jannik Sinner’s unbeaten start to 2024 brought to a thumping end by Carlos Alcaraz.
-
News
Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner set to have their friendship pushed to breaking point
Alcaraz and Sinner have built up a strong bond, but that is set to be tested.