Becker to coach Djokovic

[Kieran]

It's being reported in several sites that Boris Becker is to become Novak's head coach next season. Sorry I can't post a link, but I read it on the BBC site: "to help him to get back to number 1."

It's an interesting pairing. You think it's a good idea? Or a sign of desperation?

And what about Fibak? Was he a temporary coach?

What about Marjan Vajda? Does he move backwards or sideways?

 

[Front242]

Let's hope he doesn't start diving on all surfaces and end up completely fubar.

 

[brokenshoelace]

Vajda will remain part of the team reportedly, but is no longer the head coach.

 

[Kieran]

You think this is a great idea? Difficult to assess Becker on much since he retired. As a commentator he's unbelievably woeful, but that doesn't mean he'll make a bad coach...

 

[britbox]

Seems an odd choice to me.

 

[Riotbeard]

Here is a link: http://www.tennis.com/pro-game/2013/12/djokovic-hires-becker-head-coach/50016/#.UrHA6PZRYdA

It's got some good quotes. Not sure how I feel about, but I guess Novak thinks it will be good!

 

[Murat Baslamisli]

A different perspective never hurts, in my opinion. I would like to think that players pick coaches to fix certain problems in their games. Maybe the current team did their best to improve Nole's attacking game and the net play this far, and he wanted to get another guy in the team who knows a thing or two about net game.

Wish them both the best.

 

[Mile]

I think its more for boosting morale than some serious coaching. Bute definitely huge news.

Interesting second "strange" news for today is that ITF gave 2013 year to Novak and not to Nadal.

 

[brokenshoelace]

Interesting second "strange" news for today is that ITF gave 2013 year to Novak and not to Nadal.

Wait, what?

 

[Moxie]

Interesting second "strange" news for today is that ITF gave 2013 year to Novak and not to Nadal.

Wait, what?

That appears to be true:

http://sports.ndtv.com/tennis/news/218441-novak-djokovic-serena-williams-named-international-tennis-federations-2013-world-champions

 

[Kieran]

Thoroughly deserved, too!

Oh wait, it isn't.... :nono

 

[Mile]

Thoroughly deserved, too!

Oh wait, it isn't.... :nono

Debatable. Maybe constant showing-up in finals made it through. Novak was always in top-end. Nadal had some bad moments in beginning of some tournaments.

 

[Riotbeard]

I think its more for boosting morale than some serious coaching. Bute definitely huge news.

Interesting second "strange" news for today is that ITF gave 2013 year to Novak and not to Nadal.

It seems unlikely that it would be for morale. Not that 2013 was a banner year, but he ended the season with considerable momentum.

 

[Kieran]

Thoroughly deserved, too!

Oh wait, it isn't.... :nono

Debatable. Maybe constant showing-up in finals made it through. Novak was always in top-end. Nadal had some bad moments in beginning of some tournaments.

There's nothing debateable. 2 slams, 5 MS titles and 3 other titles is the best record last year. And that's in a year Nadal missed the first slam and skipped Miami.

There's no debate about who was the "World Champ" last year - the current world #1...

EDIT: And welcome to the forum, Mile!

 

[Riotbeard]

Thoroughly deserved, too!

Oh wait, it isn't.... :nono

Debatable. Maybe constant showing-up in finals made it through. Novak was always in top-end. Nadal had some bad moments in beginning of some tournaments.

There's nothing debateable. 2 slams, 5 MS titles and 3 other titles is the best record last year. And that's in a year Nadal missed the first slam and skipped Miami.

There's no debate about who was the "World Champ" last year - the current world #1...

EDIT: And welcome to the forum, Mile!

It's possible they do it based on how many itf points the player acquired. It might not even be a subjective system for selection. Who knows? Pull back your claws Kieren. There are like four thread going about Nadal right now. The offseason has been dominated by Fed and Ralph news. Let's keep this Novak centered :cry.

 

[Kieran]

Good point, Riotbeard! Slowly...withdrawing...the...claws.... :snigger

Keeping it Novak centred, I agree that fresh input can fizz up a chaps routine, and perhaps Becker can help with the net game. I read on the Telegraph that Boris could help Novak with the mental side, toughness and fortitude, etc. How? Becker was similarly brittle as Novak.

It's a surprising appointment, I must admit, though it's fitting a trend of modern greats appealing to past greats - none of whom seem to have any coaching experience - for help. Connors ultimately came short with Roddick, but Lendl has been a huge success with Murray. Maybe Becker has more to offer than it looks.

And maybe Nole can give Boris some advice on diet! :Lolz: Old Boris looks like he swallowed an old duffel coat...

 

[JesuslookslikeBorg]

wow whats going on here ? :s boom boom boris as djokovics coach :huh:

has novak gone a bit weird ?..maybe he overdosed on watching too much blake's 7, or that donkey cheese has messed with his head.

is novak going to become the netrusher supreme ??..stay tuned folks.

 

[Riotbeard]

Good point, Riotbeard! Slowly...withdrawing...the...claws.... :snigger

Keeping it Novak centred, I agree that fresh input can fizz up a chaps routine, and perhaps Becker can help with the net game. I read on the Telegraph that Boris could help Novak with the mental side, toughness and fortitude, etc. How? Becker was similarly brittle as Novak.

It's a surprising appointment, I must admit, though it's fitting a trend of modern greats appealing to past greats - none of whom seem to have any coaching experience - for help. Connors ultimately came short with Roddick, but Lendl has been a huge success with Murray. Maybe Becker has more to offer than it looks.

And maybe Nole can give Boris some advice on diet! :Lolz: Old Boris looks like he swallowed an old duffel coat...

I hope it's for a new strategic voice, not psychology. When Novak pulls it together, he is much psychologically strong that Becker. It's weird timing. Djokovic seemed to have more going for him in his rivalry with Nadal after the fall than since the 2012 Aussie Open. He should be feeling confident, not looking to Becker for a mental edge...

 

[the AntiPusher]

I dont see the correlation but I didnt think that Lendl Murray would work, but I was Wrong.. Now.. If I feel that McEnroe Team Uncle Toni\ Rafa will not work and then finally all will be well in the tennis universe.

 

[Kieran]

I wonder if any of these players have ever approached Sampras. If it's got to do with mental edge, who better? But also, I wonder if Pete has ever given off the vibe he's not interested...