World number two Novak Djokovic is optimistic that his new head coach, tennis great Boris Becker, will help develop a “mental edge” during Major tournaments. The second-ranked Serbian has lost in the final of the past two Grand Slam events – in Wimbledon (to Andy Murray) and US Open (to Rafael Nadal). The losses contributed to him narrowly losing the number one ranking by the end of the 2013 season.
Despite the heartbreaking losses, Djokovic would go on an unbeaten streak after the US Open and successfully defended the year-end ATP World Tour Finals in London.
“I’m really glad and honoured to have Boris in our team as my head coach,” Djokovic said this week after winning an exhibition match against Juan Monaco at Kooyong Classic Invitational.
“I sincerely hope he can bring that mental edge because he recognises the situations that one top player is facing, especially during the grand slams and the pressures and expectations, and the clutch moments. That’s what we’re hoping to work on and improve the most. And of course a couple of other elements of my game. I can never serve as well as he did, but I can just hope to improve,” the six-time Grand Slam champion said.
Djokovic is aiming to win the Australian Open title for the fourth consecutive year (and fifth overall). The first Grand Slam event of the season begins on January 13, 2014.
“It’s great to be back, I love Australia, I love coming back here. I miss it,” he said.
