Novak Djokovic has offered his support to former coach and three-time Wimbledon champion Boris Becker following his imprisonment.
The German was sentenced to 30 months in prison in April for hiding £2.5m worth of assets after filing for bankruptcy in 2017. He was found guilty of four charges under the Insolvency Act.
Becker served as Djokovic’s coach for three years between 2013 and 2016 but the pair’s relationship spans further, with the Serbian considering his former tutor a “family member.”
READ MORE:
Djokovic cruised into the third round in SW19 after defeating Australian Thanasi Kokkinakis in straight sets, 6-1, 6-2, 6-4. The 20-time Grand Slam champion has hosted Becker’s girlfriend and son Noah in his box for both his matches in the tournament so far.
“I haven't been communicating directly to him, but I've been communicating to him through them,” he said.
“I've just been trying to give support to people around him, his closest people, his family members, because I consider Boris really a family member, someone that I greatly appreciate, respect, and care about.
“We've been through a lot together during those three years of collaboration. Our relationship dates back even before that. Of course, after we finished our professional relationship, we always stayed close, him with my team, with my agents, with my family.
“Of course, it breaks my heart to see what's happening to him. I can only imagine how hard it is for his family members. So, of course, this is a little gesture of friendship to invite them. He knows and they know that they can always count on me for whatever support or help I can provide.”
Following the announcement that Andy Murray would be competing in this year’s Laver Cup, the 35-year-old said there is a chance that he could join the Brit and fellow legends Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer at the event in September, which would see the fantastic four lineup alongside each other for Team Europe.
He said: “It would be very unique. It is a possibility. My agent has communication with the Laver Cup team. We have an agreement that there will be a decision after Wimbledon is finished.
“Laver Cup is the only competition where you can have all the big rivals, the big three, big four players joining in the same team. Of course, it is a very different and exciting concept for us players, but also for the fans around the world.”
18+ | BeGambleAware | Odds Subject To Change
