Boris Becker has refuted a widely spread claim that implies him saying that Novak Djokovic has "accepted" Carlos Alcaraz's superiority.
Recently, former ATP player Ivan Ljubicic spoke to Sportklub, where he discussed his alleged private conversation with Becker. The German has previously coached Djokovic during one of the most successful periods of his career.
Becker is credited with improving Djokovic's approach in high-stakes matches between 2014 and 2016. They won six major titles together. The Serb completed his dream of winning the career Grand Slam at the 2016 Roland Garros.
Under Becker's tutelage, Djokovic recalimed the Wordl No. 1 ranking fom Rafael Nadal. However, his dominance waned midway through the 2016 season, and they decided to part ways.
Still, they remained on good terms away from the court, and Becker has previously explained that his former pupil supported him and his family while he was serving a prison sentence in 2022.
So, it was quite a shock when Ljubiicic, who coached Roger Federer in the past until the Swiss' retirement in 2022, spoke about Djokovic's lack of motivation and revealed that Djokovic was resigned to Alcaraz's dominance not just at Wimbledon but of men's tennis right now.
Intriguingly enough, the Croat spoke in Becker's voice, admitting, "Boris Becker told me that it seemed to him that Novak had practically accepted Alcaraz's superiority, which he had never done with Rafa and Roger."
Morevoer, the 45-year-old, is convinced that the changing of the guard is happening very soon. The era of the Big Three is gradually diminishing, with Federer now retired and Rafael Nadal unlikely to play beyond the 2024 season.
Djokovic, the last one standing, has struggled physically and is losing his competitive groove. This season, the 24-time Grand Slam champion has been struck with an elbow injury, a viral infection, and, more recently, a torn meniscus on his right knee that required surgery.
He has lost to Alcaraz, who is considered the new force in men's tennis, in each of the last two Wimbledon finals, including a straight-sets demolition two weeks ago. As the 2024 season enters its last phase, the 37-year-old remains without a title in what is his longest trophyless start to a year since 2005.
But Becker has denied making such a remark when two diehard fans of Djokovic asked him to address Ljubicic's interview. He also insisted that only words that come directly from him should be believed.
"Never said it!"
"Unless you hear it coming from me directly,never believe what third parties speak about me …"
Although Becker rejected the claim, Djokovic stated that he was "not at the level" of Alcaraz and World No. 1 Jannik Sinner after his Wimbledon loss. He was speaking on the outcome of the season so far, in which the two top players in the ATP race have shared the big titles, including the Grand Slams.
Djokovic spoke positively about his short-term future, with the potential of four months to salvage his season. He is aiming for an Olympic gold medal next week, and there are still four Masters tournaments and the US Open to play for. If he qualifies for the ATP Finals, he can add to his own record of seven titles.
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