Former tennis great says Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic don’t get along
DESPITE the apparent affability normally on show between one another, the world’s top two tennis players are far from matey, according to a former world No. 1.
In his latest autobiography, Wimbledon: My Life and Career at the All England Club, Boris Becker says Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic “don’t particularly like each other” and that it is an “open secret” on tour.
The youngest ever Wimbledon men’s champion, well placed to make such comments given he is currently Djokovic’s coach, said the two act out a “fake” friendship when in public view, but dislike one another behind the scenes.
The German also accused Federer of manufacturing an image for the benefit of sponsors and endorsements, suggesting he “cannot possibly” be as nice as he appears.
“The reason Roger is one of the highest paid athletes of all time is because he’s liked by everybody,” said Becker.
“But think about this: you can’t possibly be liked by everybody.
“He makes good money out of his image, but would he make less if we saw a bit more of his true feelings?”
“Not happy Novak.” Source: AFP
“Oh no, not Roger again.” Source: Getty Images
Far from criticising the world No. 1 and No. 2. for their rocky relationship, Becker wished more players could demonstrate their honesty on the court.
The six-time grand slam champion said the politically correct nature of tennis today has robbed the sport of characters, with players too afraid to reveal their true emotions for fear of being reprimanded.
“People occasionally put it to me that tennis is more boring now than when I played, and when I ask them why they say there are fewer characters,” said Becker.
“I reply that we have great characters, but it’s true they don’t show it as much because they can’t.”
The introduction of on-court microphones means even the slightest outburst can be heard by people all over the world.
“They get fined and there are microphones on the court that pick up every curse or utterance in frustration,” said Becker.
“As a result, it’s very difficult to verbalise your frustration nowadays because everyone hears it and you go back to the locker room to face a fine of $10,000 or $20,000 or even more.
“Players are human beings and get pissed off if they serve a double fault, but they have to behave or get fined,” Becker said in an interview with Radio Times.
The 47-year-old argued that relaxing the restrictions on players would allow them to show their true colours and improve ratings for the sport.
The three-time champion at the All-England Club was renowned for his fiery temper on the court, often smashing racquets and swearing at himself if he felt his play wasn’t up to scratch.
His current mentee Djokovic just missed out on adding to his eight grand slam titles when he was beaten by Swiss Stanislas Wawrinka in Tuesday’s French Open final.
Wawrinka also took care of his countryman Federer en route to the championship, knocking him out of contention in the quarter-finals.
Comments