Former German tennis player Boris Becker thanked world number one Novak Djokovic on Sunday for his support while he was in prison in Britain, adding that he considers the Serb "probably the greatest player
in all times
”.
During the presentation of a documentary at the Berlin Film Festival about his exploits as a player and the difficulties encountered after his career, Becker revealed that his former pupil had always been by his side.
“
Novak Djokovic has become a member of the family.
You know we had a professional relationship for many years and ended it in 2016
,” said the six-time Grand Slam winner and former world number one himself, now 56. .
“
But we have always remained close and especially during my detention.
He supported me and he supported my family
,” he revealed.
Becker had coached Djokovic from 2013 to 2016, when the latter won six of his current 22 Grand Slam titles.
The Serb himself intervenes in the documentary entitled “
Boom!
Boom!
The World vs.
Boris Becker
” (“
Boom! Boom! the world against Boris Becker
”), directed by Alex Gibney for Apple TV+.
"
Boom, Boom
", was the nickname given to Becker when he was playing due to the strength of his serves.
Read alsoTennis: Boris Becker back as a TV consultant from the Australian Open
Djokovic evokes in this documentary having learned from Becker "
the mental strength
" necessary to play under pressure.
"
I'm very proud of the fact that whoever is probably the greatest player of all time is part of a story about Boris Becker
," replied the German player.
He also thanked legends John McEnroe and Björn Borg for their participation in the film.
"
Tennis has two kings right now which is good
," he added, referring to Djokovic and Spaniard Rafael Nadal.
"
That's why tennis is so exciting
" to watch, he said.
Becker was extradited from Britain to Germany in December after serving eight months of a 30-month prison sentence for breaching bankruptcy rules by concealing assets of around £3.1million. dollars (3 million euros) to avoid having to pay its debts.
