Every year around this time the US Open generates so much buzz around the world that you get to read a lot of great and well written articles. At TSF we picked one that we thought stood out. The article is about Boris Becker in his role as the coach of multiple Grand Slam winner Novak Djokovic. Becker plays mindgames with Roger Federer and relishing back on the circuit.
The article is written by Peter de Jonge for NYMag.com and is called “Waiting for Novak Djokovic With Tennis Great (Turned Coach) Boris Becker”
Here are some highlights of the article:
Boris Becker on the brief locker-room face-off between Federer and Djokovic before the 2014 Wimbledon final recounted in Becker’s book Boris Becker’s Wimbledon:
“Tennis is the only sport I know of where you have your locker right next to your opponent. You see him naked. You see him go to the bathroom. You see him take a shower. Imagine doing that in boxing. Or in basketball. Or in football. Then, you go out and play for fame and glory and money. And because that’s one of my strengths, I notice a lot of what happens before these matches, and if I can use it, I will.”
Boris Becker’ coaching philosophy:
“At this level of the sport, matches are won by strategy, mentality, and willpower. And that’s where I come in.”
On playing high-stakes poker:
“I wouldn’t call myself a pro, but I’ve played with the best. Phil Ivey would know me. Daniel Negreanu would know me. In poker, you have to read the other guy. One of my strengths is reading the other guy.”
How the semis and finals of majors are similar to a poker game:
“It’s a lot about mood changes, momentum changes, how you deal with uncomfortable situations … And I’ve been out of my comfort zone most of my life.”
Boris Becker on Novak Djokovic’s 2014 Wimbledon victory:
“You need proof. A big scalp. Well, this was it. End of argument. At the end of the day, I was hired to win Slams.”
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