Becker expresses his concern for Djokovic: "This cannot continue"

Although a few days have passed, the earthquake caused by Novak Djokovic's defeat at the hands of Mariano Navone is still making headlines. Being in the first round of the US Open and the manner in which it happened, no one could resist giving their opinion.

Evidently, one of those who never miss a good debate is Boris Becker, who, besides being a former world number one, also coached the Balkan player for several seasons. In statements collected by Eurosport, the German legend commented on the situation in his usual tone, always being honest in his discourse and urging the Belgrade player to change some things if he does not wish to consider retirement sooner than desired.

Becker knows firsthand the demands of competing at the highest level at an advanced age, which is why he did not hide his concern about Djokovic's physical state shown in New York. “This cannot continue; it pains my soul,” acknowledged the German. A reflection that goes far beyond a specific defeat and places on the table a question that seemed still distant. How much longer can Djokovic continue?

Becker starts to question Novak Djokovic's future

Djokovic fell to Navone after nearly four and a half hours of play, in a battle where the Serbian went through really complicated moments. After winning the first set, he ended up yielding in five sets. During the match, he needed medical attention, constantly leaned on his racket, and suffered episodes of vomiting before ending up in tears. After the defeat, Djokovic himself was emphatic in describing his feelings: “I hated every moment on the court.”

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For Becker, the images are concerning enough to think about a change in direction. “He needs to think about the future,” asserted the German, who even hinted that he has a concrete idea about what Djokovic should do, although he preferred not to make it public. “I have an idea, but I won’t say it on air. I need to think about it a bit more,” he explained. And then he left the most thought-provoking statement: “At some point, this comes to an end; the question is when you take that step.”

In any case, this is not a season in which Djokovic has ceased to be competitive. The Serbian reached the final of the Australian Open after defeating Jannik Sinner and also made it to the semifinals of Wimbledon. However, physical difficulties seem to have taken on increasing importance in his long matches. Becker, who knows Djokovic particularly well from the three years they worked together, observes from the outside a completely different situation and poses an uncomfortable question. Perhaps Djokovic's great challenge is no longer to win another Grand Slam, but to decide when it is time to step aside.

This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Becker muestra su preocupación por Djokovic: “Así no puede continuar”