Boris Becker, in a recent interview, has been previewing the upcoming years of his career.
Having first starred as a player and later as a coach too, whilst also delving into punditry more recently as well, the 56-year-old really has done it all.
He has been ever-present in tennis for decades now, and has no plans to slow down on that front.
However, in this latest interview, where he outlines his intention to return to coaching sometime next year, Becker also offers his verdict on Novak Djokovic’s stuttered start to 2024.
Boris Becker left stunned by latest Novak Djokovic decision
As someone who coached the legendary Serbian across a trophy-laden three years, he is certainly in a good place to offer an expert verdict on his form.
However, it is not his failure to win a title this year that has sparked unrest from Becker, but instead a decision he made just last week.
Having already missed many tournaments through personal preference, he has since pulled out of another, revealing his intention to miss the Madrid Open as a non-medical decision.
This baffled Becker, who told The Telegraph: ‘I was surprised by his Madrid decision.
‘I think at this stage he needs matches. He needs the competition. But he has his own schedule. I think winning gold for Serbia [at the Olympics in Paris] is his main tournament so maybe he’s already scheduling himself to be still fresh for July.
‘This could be a reason. You can never underestimate him or count him out.’
Novak Djokovic is enduring inexplicably tough 2024
Admittedly, he has only featured in three tournaments this year, but to be entering May without Djokovic having lifted a trophy is crazy.
Especially given how he has dominated the past few years, having added to his unparalleled Grand Slam tally and even broken the record for most won ever.
The 36-year-old seemed unstoppable, and was defying what many thought was possible for someone of his age.
But now, as he winds down on a glittering and historic career, it feels like his focus is as Becker says solely on the Olympics.
Should that mean sacrificing a few extra ATP tournaments, then I’m sure that is one he is willing to make.
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