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Novak Djokovic Australian Open series 2022

‘They didn’t help’ – Boris Becker condemns Djokovic family for ‘overreaching’


Boris Becker believes that the family of Novak Djokovic have not helped his case when it comes to resolving his various problems ahead of the Australian Open. 

After the world number one was held at the border by officials on arrival into Australia, his father Srdjan said they were “keeping my son prisoner”, later complaining they were trying to crucify Novak in the same was a Jesus.

His brother Djordje added: “He was treated like a criminal while he is a healthy and decent man.

“This is the greatest sporting and diplomatic scandal.”

Finally, 18-time singles Major champion slammed Djordje for meeting with infamous UK politician Nigel Farage in Novak’s trophy room, describing Farage as “as despicable as it gets.”

Now, former world number one and coach to Djokovic Boris Becker spoke about how he believes that Novak’s family have mostly hindered him.

“The father certainly overreached the goal,” Becker said on Eurosport Germany’s Das Gelbe vom Ball podcast.

“He will certainly regret some of the statements he made four or five days ago.

“The fact that statements were made by his family didn’t exactly help him. His parents are very emotional – and his brother too, that’s not always understandable.”

Srdjan in particular is no stranger to controversy. Back in November, he suggested that Novak would not play the Australian Open because of the “blackmail” he faced from Australian politicians.

He has also dragged other players into drama, describing Roger Federer as “a great champion, but not as good a man” in early 2021.

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