Seven-time Grand Slam titlist Virginia Wade picked current world number two Novak Djokovic to win the Australian Open 2014 title, which will be the Serbian superstar’s fifth trophy in Melbourne should this become true. Djokovic first won the title back in 2008 and went on a three-year win streak from 2011 to 2013.
“Yes, I definitely do,” she said in an interview with Sportinglife.com. “Even though (Rafael) Nadal had such an amazing year last year. After his US Open loss, Djokovic was scarily good. He looked relaxed and was hitting the ball really well.
“On these courts, he’s the person to beat.”
The tennis great said that she’s one of the many who was surprised with Djokovic’s decision to hire Boris Becker as his new head coach.
“You can add me to the list of surprised people when it comes to Djokovic and Becker,” she said.. “Boris Becker was such a champion. He knew how to win matches but I’m still mystified.
“No matter how good you’ve been it’s really hard to give something to someone as good as Novak Djokovic. What are you going to bring to his game? It’s really hard. As a top player you look to other top players but when it comes to being told what to do… He will look to him; they’ll hit together and generally innovate but being told what to do is very difficult.
“I know Paul Annacone, when he was working with Sampras, was dictated to. When the player wanted a break, he took a break; the coach was told when they would hit. I don’t know what he’s actually looking for, something to keep him stimulated maybe.”
“He’s stuttered a little bit in the last two years. Maybe there’s something in the service area, maybe at the net, where Becker can help. His game is very attritional; perhaps he’s looking to be a little bit more aggressive.”
