Boris Becker believes ‘weather’ will play a vital role in Novak Djokovic’s chances at the French Open

According to Boris Becker, the role of 'weather' will be crucial in determining Novak Djokovic's prospects at the French Open

Boris Becker believes ‘weather’ will play a vital role in Novak Djokovic’s chances at the French Open

Novak Djokovic and Boris Becker (Images via The Guardian)

The French Open is close and Novak Djokovic is heading into the tournament in the hopes of winning it for the third time. Rafael Nadal’s withdrawal has left Djokovic as one of the two former champions competing in the tournament.

Boris Becker, a former World No.1 player and Djokovic’s former coach had a few words about the Serb’s chances at the 2023 Roland-Garros. Boris Becker coached Djokovic to six of his 22 Grand Slams. Becker and Djokovic worked together for 3 years starting in 2013.

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Although Novak Djokovic’s game has evolved and improved throughout the years, Boris Becker mentioned some things that might impact Djokovic’s chances at the French Open. “I think the weather will also play a big role. When it’s hot, the red ash in Paris is almost like a hard court. When it’s rainy, cold, and wet like in Rome, it becomes a difficult, slow court, and then Novak has a harder time than other players,” said Becker in a recent interview.

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Becker explained how the weather could have an effect on Djokovic’s game. Sunny weather meant a comparatively harder court and according to Becker, Djokovic is just the better player on grass and hard courts. Djokovic’s game on clay could be matched by some players in the world. Becker also talked about the Serb being 36 and not in his physical prime anymore.

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Australian Open director Craig Tiley believes Djokovic still has some Grand Slam titles left in him

Novak Djokovic
Novak Djokovic (Credits: Tennishead)

Craig Tiley, director of the Australian Open, too expressed that Djokovic can break Nadal’s 22 Grand Slam titles record. Novak Djokovic is also a 22-time Grand Slam winner and sits tied with Nadal.

The 2023 Roland-Garros, which Djokovic has mentioned to be his primary focus, is about to start and he would like it to be the tournament where he wins his 23rd Grand Slam title. Tiley is among the many to believe that Djokovic is still at the top of his game and he has the ability to win more titles to add to his illustrious career.

“He (Djokovic) hasn’t had the normal leader that he has coming in, but, when he plays Grand Slams, he’s really difficult to beat,”, said Craig Tiley. “So you know, I think at some point it’s going to happen, whether it be here or at Wimbledon or the US or back in Australia. I think he’s, we all know he’s got quite a few Slams left in him and we still don’t know how many,” he further said.

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