Novak Djokovic’s former coach Boris Becker labels criticism of world No. 1 ‘unjustified’

Novak Djokovic has rarely been out of the headlines in the past year and that hasn’t stopped in 2021. But is the latest criticism justified?

Grand slam great Boris Becker has launched an impassioned defence of the man he used to coach, world No. 1 Novak Djokovic.

Djokovic has rarely been out of the headlines in the past year, from his incredible results to a series of on-and off-court controversies.

It’s been more of the same since the eight-time Australian Open champion arrived in Adelaide this month, with his list of COVID-19 quarantine requests for his playing peers polarising opinion.

Boris Becker was once the man behind Novak Djokovic’s success. Picture: Getty Images

However, Becker – a former world No. 1 and six-times grand slam singles titleist – says Djokovic’s most recent criticism is unwarranted.

“The points he wrote down were absolutely right and legitimate,” Becker told Eurosport Germany.

“You get the feeling Novak Djokovic can do whatever he wants at the moment, he just gets a lot of criticism. In this case, really unjustified.

“He wanted to stand up for the players, just wanted to create fair conditions for everyone, but was sharply criticised, even by the Prime Minister of the country.”

Tennis Australia chief executive Craig Tiley has clarified that Djokovic was merely offering suggestions rather than making demands.

The most contentious of Djokovic’s wishes were that the players’ time in hard quarantine be reduced from 14 days and for them to be moved to private houses with a tennis court.

Others were more reasonable, including providing exercise equipment to all hotel rooms – which has happened – and for “decent” food to be made available for the players.

TA is paying for competitors’ hotel food and has given all competitors a daily $100 UberEats allocation.

There are 72 male and female players in hard lockdown who are unable to leave their room.

Becker said Melbourne and Australia benefited from the grand slam being held there and that the players should be treated “more fairly and respectfully”.

Novak Djokovic celebrates his 2016 French Open triumph with his team — including coach Boris Becker. Picture: AFP

The dual Australian Open winner also questioned whether the compromised preparation was too great a disadvantage for those impacted.

“When they come out of quarantine, they haven’t even been out in the fresh air, haven’t played tennis,” Becker said.

“No matter how many steps they’ve taken in the room, they haven’t played ball, and then they have a week to prepare for best-of-five matches, at least for the men, in the hot conditions.

“That task doesn’t really work. All the winter preparation was for naught.

“You have to ask yourself whether these are fair conditions for everyone. As an organiser, you have to ask yourself: is this right, is this reasonable?”