Novak Djokovic comes across as a tennis machine but he's very charming when he's not in office: Boris Becker

Former German tennis professional Boris Becker believes that Novak Djokovic doesn’t always get the love or appreciation he deserves.

Having risen to stardom in the same era as Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal, Djokovic, for many tennis fans, has been the 'villain' of the Big 3. He announced his arrival by winning the 2008 Australian Open, which broke Federer and Nadal's 11 Grand Slam winning streak.

The Serbian has since been on the receiving end of fans' ire during many occasions. Off-court events like his refusal to take the COVID-19 vaccination or adhere to pandemic restrictions also contributed to his controversial stature in the tennis world.

Former World No. 1 Becker, however, believes that Djokovic is misunderstood and stated that he is actually a charming and good person.

“He’s actually a very outgoing, very worldly man. Sometimes he comes across as a bit of a tennis machine. But when he’s not in his office, he is very charming. You can talk to him about business, politics, about music, and he’s a good guy,” he said in an interview with The Guardian.

Becker continued to praise the Serbian for his other qualities as a tennis player that sets him apart.

“He’s also a real tennis historian,” he added. “He understands who was there beforehand and he wants to make a mark. Which he has done. Then he’s a perfectionist, like all superstars. He wants to play the perfect match, which in his case probably happened once or twice.”

Six-time Grand Slam winner Becker, who coached Djokovic for three years starting in December 2013, recently spent eight months in prison. He was imprisoned for hiding £2.5 million of assets and loans in a bankruptcy fraud case.

While the German did not discuss his time behind bars in the interview, Becker stated that he was allowed to watch Djokovic defeat Nick Kyrgios in the final and win the Wimbledon Championships last year.

“I was very emotional when he won. It was a great statement and he’s a friend so I was happy to see him win. On the other side, I like Nick Kyrgios and what he brings to the competition. So I want him back healthy and I want him back in with the same attitude that he had last year. Because it’s great for tennis,” he disclosed.

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“He is always going to be one of the favorites” - Boris Becker on Novak Djokovic ahead of 2023 French Open

Novak Djokovic in action at the 2022 French Open.

Novak Djokovic began his 2023 season with a bang, winning the Adelaide International 1 title before clinching a record 10th Australian Open crown. Since then, however, he has failed to go past the semifinals of any event he has taken part in.

The former World No. 1 is also dealing with an elbow injury, which has placed doubts on how he will fare at the upcoming French Open.

Despite his recent struggles, Boris Becker has backed the Serbian to do well at Roland Garros and said that he would always be “one of the favorites” at a Major irrespective of form or surface.

“Clay is not his best surface, but in the last couple of years he was able to pull it back together at the French. As long as he’s healthy, and as long as he wants to play, he is always going to be one of the favorites to win a Grand Slam,” Becker opined.