Boris Becker rubbishes reports of Novak Djokovic faking injury at Australian Open 2023
Novak Djokovic's former coach and German tennis great Boris Becker has come out in his defense, dismissing talk that the Serbian superstar is faking his injury to throw opponents off at the 2023 Australian Open. While Becker admitted that the Serb could look like "he's bluffing," he went on to assert that his former pupil would never actually do so.
Djokovic has been dealing with a hamstring injury at the Australian Open, which has increasingly hurt him with every successive match. But the 35-year-old has still managed to play close to his best in his first three matches, leading to speculation among fans that he is overplaying his injury.
In that context, Becker stated that he could see why Djokovic's opponents could be thrown off their game when facing him. He explained that they might feel he is seriously hurt due to injury, before the 21-time Slam champion still ends up producing his best tennis.
Becker, however, has no doubt in his mind that Djokovic would never fake an injury.
"Sometimes you think he's bluffing or can't finish the game," Boris Becker told Eurosport. "It's a bit of heaven and hell. That also makes it difficult for the opponent. But Novak wouldn't behave like that if he had nothing."
The former world No. 1, who was part of Djokovic's camp for three years, further revealed that the nine-time Australian Open champion has struggled with a thigh/hamstring injury for a few years now.
"I've known him for a long time and I know that he has problems with his thigh," the German stated.
Becker also feels that Djokovic's experience helps him play through injuries and manage them perfectly during matches.
"Novak can grit his teeth when it comes to important points, but he also lets it go in less important moments," Becker explained.
Boris Becker feels Grigor Dimitrov could have beaten Novak Djokovic, highlights why Serb ended up on winning side
Boris Becker also reflected on Novak Djokovic's straight-sets third-round victory against Grigor Dimitrov on Saturday, stating that the Bulgarian had the game to win the match. Becker feels Djokovic's decisiveness and ability to play the big points better eventually made the difference.
Analyzing the Serb's style of play, the 55-year-old noted that Djokovic was particularly focused on shortening points to ensure there was less pressure on his body.
"Novak is now going for the quick points," Becker said. "That starts with the serve, because he's also taking more risks on the second."
"In the rallies he tried to dominate with his forehand. It was an interesting match, with ups and downs. Dimitrov had what it takes to beat Djokovic, but he was better in the decisive moments," he added.
After his match, Djokovic shed more light on his injury and how he has been managing it. The Serb faces Australian hope Alex de Minaur in the fourth round in Monday's night session match, during which he will likely again rely on painkillers and mid-match treatment to keep going.