Boris Becker has made a big prediction about what could happen to Novak Djokovic at the Australian Open this year.
Becker coached Djokovic for three years until 2016, helping the Serbian win six of his 24 Grand Slam singles titles.
While he is no longer a part of his team, Becker still has a close relationship with Djokovic, who is bidding for his 25th Grand Slam title at the Australian Open this year.
Djokovic made an impressive start to his Australian Open campaign, and now Becker has reacted to the world number four’s performance.
Boris Becker reacts to Novak Djokovic’s first round win at the Australian Open
Djokovic beat Pedro Martinez, 6-3 6-2 6-2, to obtain the 100th win of his career at the Australian Open.
When reacting to Djokovic’s performance on TNT Sports, two-time Australian Open champion Becker described it as the ‘perfect’ first round match for him.
“That was a perfect first round for Novak Djokovic,” said Becker. “The length of the match is good for him, as is the way he played.
“We don’t need to say anything more about his serve – it was absolutely world class today. You didn’t know what to expect. Novak hasn’t played a tournament in ten weeks, but after tonight we know that Novak Djokovic is in brilliant shape.”
How far do you think Novak Djokovic will go at the Australian Open?
When continuing to assess Djokovic’s chances at the Australian Open this year, Becker claimed that he had actually been ‘pleasantly surprised’ by his performances at majors last year, despite failing to reach a Grand Slam final for the first time since 2017.
Becker then went on to reveal that he ‘wouldn’t be surprised’ to see Djokovic reach at least a fifth consecutive Grand Slam semifinal in Melbourne.
“I was very pleasantly surprised with his level last year, particularly in the Grand Slams,” continued Becker. “He’s beaten everybody else except [Jannik] Sinner or [Carlos] Alcaraz, and there’s no shame in that because those two have dominated tennis for the better part of two years. He’s 38, and it gives him a great challenge and inspiration that he can still compete with them.
“Naturally, with age you don’t recover as quickly and you get tired a bit faster than if you’re 28, and Sinner and Alcaraz are much younger. But I wouldn’t be surprised if Novak is in his best form starting in Melbourne. I mean, he’s won the tournament ten times. If there’s one guy who knows how to win in Melbourne, it’s Novak Djokovic.
“Some people say it’s a disadvantage that he hasn’t played anywhere else, but maybe he has a trick up his sleeve. Maybe he did something over the winter he doesn’t want to show until the first round. I’ve seen his draw and I think it’s decent. I wouldn’t be surprised if he reaches another semifinal.
“And then who knows? Maybe Sinner doesn’t make it that far—there’s always a chance one of the top guys loses early. It’s unlikely, but they’re human beings. I like Novak a lot; we’re still very close, so I wish him nothing but the best.”
Jim Courier pinpoints the only advantage Novak Djokovic has over Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner
One of the biggest issues for Djokovic has been Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner, who have collectively won the last eight consecutive major titles.
Either Alcaraz or Sinner have also beaten Djokovic in three of his four Grand Slam semifinals in 2025.
When discussing Djokovic’s chances at the Australian Open this year, former world number one Jim Courier spoke about the only advantage he thinks the Serbian has over Alcaraz and Sinner.
“The only advantage he has over Sinner and Alcaraz is experience,” said Courier. “Last year against Carlos in the quarterfinals, his ability to use that experience while injured made the difference. Carlos wasn’t experienced enough yet to know how to take advantage. So, the experience edge is still there, but that’s probably the only one.”
“It comes down to his fitness. He’s said it’s challenging now to take on Alcaraz and Sinner in best of five. We’ll see. His game hasn’t aged the way his body has.
“It’s ridiculous that he made four semifinals last year at his age. He’s more than capable of winning another major, and going for number 11 in Australia – almost half of his total if he gets to 25. He loves it there and plays well there. The question is whether he’s fit.”
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Courier has predicted Alcaraz to win the Australian Open for the first time this year, which would enable him to become the youngest man ever to complete the Career Slam.
As Djokovic looks to continue his bid for a 25th Grand Slam title, he will now take on Italian qualifier Francesco Maestrelli on Thursday, January 22.
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