Former tennis star and coach to Novak Djokovic, Boris Becker said on Monday (22 June) that the world number one will not be taking anything for granted when he starts the defence of his Wimbledon title next week.
Three-time Wimbledon champ Becker was alongside Djokovic when he beat Roger Federer in last years final to win the grand slam for the second time, but the German knows that he must start all over again on 29 June.
We had a spectacular run last year but it all starts from scratch again, first round will be first round for everybody so it will be another very tough tournament, he said at a promotional event in London.
Among those looking to take the crown is Andy Murray, who has been in fine form this year, winning clay court titles in Monaco and Madrid. Hes since gone on to win his first grass title of the season at the Wimbledon warm-up tournament at Queens Club, the fourth time hes done so.
I like Andy, we have a good relationship, said Becker. Obviously Im coaching his toughest rival, we have to keep it very professional, but Ive known him for many years. Hes in great form, hes four times Queens Open champion now, one of the favourites to win Wimbledon, but Im in Novaks corner so I have to support.
Its a difficult title to win one time, let alone four times. You need to be really comfortable on grass, you need to like the club, Queens, you need to be comfortable on the grass after such a long clay court season, and you have to play with a lot of instinct, and I think thats why Andy and some of the others won it four times.
World number three Murray beat Djokovic in the 2013 final but since then the Serb has won all eight of their meetings, the most recent being a narrow victory in the semi-final of the French Open.
