The surprising reason why Boris Becker was asked to become Novak Djokovic’s coach has now been revealed

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Novak Djokovic enjoyed plenty of success with Boris Becker as his coach.

The pair won six Grand Slam titles together between 2014 and 2016.

Djokovic won the Australian Open (2015, 2016), Wimbledon (2014, 2015), the US Open (2015), and the French Open (2016) during that period.

Guiding Djokovic to the French Open title in 2016, Becker won the one Grand Slam he never picked up during his playing career.

They split in December 2016, but how did their partnership come to be?

Boris Becker was surprised to be asked to coach Novak Djokovic

Appearing as a guest on ‘La Revuelta‘, Becker remembered the time he was first asked to coach the Serbian star.

“I was surprised he called me, he called me in October of 2012 [editors note – 2013], when he lost his number one ranking to Rafa [Nadal], so he was only number two,” said Becker.

ATP Top 10 – October 2013

“His manager called me, and he says, Could you imagine becoming the coach?

“I go, why?

“He says, He’s not number one anymore, he’s lost all these Grand Slams to Rafa…

Novak Djokovic’s Grand Slam final defeats – By October 2013

• 2007 US Open – Roger Federer
• 2010 US Open – Rafael Nadal
• 2012 French Open – Rafael Nadal
• 2012 US Open – Andy Murray
• 2013 Wimbledon – Andy Murray
• 2013 US Open – Rafael Nadal

“This is complaining on a high level!”

Djokovic’s high-level complaining clearly paid off, however, as he returned to world number one six months into his coaching relationship with Becker.

He held the title for 122 consecutive weeks, the fourth-longest reign in tennis history, before Andy Murray replaced him in November 2016.

Longest reigns as ATP world number one

• 1. Roger Federer – 237 weeks (February 2004 – August 2008)
• 2. Jimmy Connors – 160 weeks (July 1974 – August 1977)
• 3. Ivan Lendl – 157 weeks (September 1985 – September 1988)
• 4. Novak Djokovic – 122 weeks (July 2014 – November 2016)
• 5. Pete Sampras – 102 weeks (April 1996 – March 1998)

Becker didn’t have a chance to help Djokovic take back the number-one ranking from Murray, as they parted ways at the end of the 2016 season.

The German remains one of Djokovic’s best-ever coaches, leading him to six Grand Slam titles and a lengthy stint at the top of the ATP rankings.

Who is Novak Djokovic’s current coach?

Djokovic was coached by his former rival, Andy Murray, earlier this year, although their relationship didn’t last long.

Poor results during the clay-court season saw Djokovic split with the Brit before the French Open.

Who would you like to see Andy Murray coach next?

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Replacing Murray, Djokovic brought in Dusan Vemic to share the coaching responsibilities with Boris Bosnjakovic.

Results improved with the pair in charge, as Djokovic won the 100th and 101st titles of his professional career.

Novak Djokovic’s results since replacing Andy Murray

Djokovic hasn’t lost before the semifinals of any event he’s played since changing his team.

He’ll no doubt hope to maintain that record heading into 2026, as he looks to win the elusive 25th Grand Slam.

The Serb will have his first shot at major glory in 2026 at the Australian Open, which begins on Sunday, January 18.