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Djokovic appoints Boris Becker as coach

Getty

Getty

World number two Novak Djokovic has named three-time Wimbledon champion Boris Becker as his new head coach.

Becker, who won the Championships for the first time at just 17 years of age, joins Djokovic’s team with no coaching experience at the top level since retiring from playing in 1999 with six grand slam titles to his name.

“I am proud Novak invited me to become his head coach,” Becker said in a statement on Djokovic’s website.

“I will do my best to help him reach his goals, and I am sure we can achieve great things together.”

2013 saw Djokovic win only one slam and drop a spot in the rankings and with world number one Rafael Nadal and world number three Andy Murray in top form, Djokovic has plenty of work to do in his quest to regain the top ranking.

The 46-year-old German’s first job as mentor is ensuring a successful defence of the Djokovic’s Australian Open title in January.

“I am really excited to have the opportunity to work with Boris,” Djokovic said in a statement on his website.

“He is a true legend, someone who has great tennis knowledge and his experience will help me win new trophies from the grand slams and other tournaments.

“Becker is a great person, too, and I am sure he will fit in our team in the best possible way. Boris brings new fresh approach, and together with (former coach Marian) Vajda he will make a winning combination.”

Vajda has been with Djokovic since 2006 and under his tutelage, the 26-year-old Serb won seven grand slam titles and enjoyed a record run as world number one.

The Slovak will remain a part of Djokovic’s support staff but Becker will officially take over as head coach for the 2014 season.

“In a few weeks Novak and I will start the eighth year of our cooperation,” Vajda said.

“During that period we have achieved almost all the goals we had. I realised that Novak needed a new head coach in order for him to continue improving certain parts of the game.

“In the same time, I will have more time for my family. Becker’s assignment will not affect much my position in the team, since I will do all I can for Novak, just like I did before.

“On the other hand, choosing Boris as a head coach is a good solution, I am sure we will get along very well, and that Novak will continue to progress.”

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