Becker quits BBC role to coach Djokovic
German tennis legend Boris Becker has said he is giving up his job as a BBC commentator to focus on his new role as head coach of world number-two Novak Djokovic.
The 46-year-old Becker has worked as a BBC commentator alongside fellow former players John McEnroe and Pat Cash since 2002, but says his media role now conflicts with his position as Djokovic's mentor.
"I can't analyse games on television and then the next day be a coach," Becker, who won six Grand Slam titles in his career, told German daily Bild.
Becker has already joined Djokovic in his training camp in Marbella, Spain, and has set about fine-tuning the 26-year-old Serbian star's game.
"At this level, it is the small things which will decide whether you win the tournament or come second," said Becker.
"I can still hit a few balls with Novak, but that job will fall mainly to his hitting partner.
"I'll be on the court in a tracksuit and looking at the video analysis, trying to make him a better tennis player."
Becker has been brought in to improve Djokovic's game after a disappointing 2013 by his own high standards.
Djokovic won the Australian Open but lost to Rafael Nadal in the US Open final, then again in the semi-finals of the French Open, as well as losing to Andy Murray in the Wimbledon final.
Becker has said he will spend around 20 weeks per year on the ATP Tour with Djokovic and says his young son Amadeus and wife Lilly will join him on occasion.
"When it fits, Lilly and Amadeus will come with me from time to time," said Becker.
"Without Lilly's support I wouldn't have taken this job on."
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The 46-year-old Becker has worked as a BBC commentator alongside fellow former players John McEnroe and Pat Cash since 2002, but says his media role now conflicts with his position as Djokovic's mentor.
"I can't analyse games on television and then the next day be a coach," Becker, who won six Grand Slam titles in his career, told German daily Bild.
Becker has already joined Djokovic in his training camp in Marbella, Spain, and has set about fine-tuning the 26-year-old Serbian star's game.
"At this level, it is the small things which will decide whether you win the tournament or come second," said Becker.
"I can still hit a few balls with Novak, but that job will fall mainly to his hitting partner.
"I'll be on the court in a tracksuit and looking at the video analysis, trying to make him a better tennis player."
Becker has been brought in to improve Djokovic's game after a disappointing 2013 by his own high standards.
Djokovic won the Australian Open but lost to Rafael Nadal in the US Open final, then again in the semi-finals of the French Open, as well as losing to Andy Murray in the Wimbledon final.
Becker has said he will spend around 20 weeks per year on the ATP Tour with Djokovic and says his young son Amadeus and wife Lilly will join him on occasion.
"When it fits, Lilly and Amadeus will come with me from time to time," said Becker.
"Without Lilly's support I wouldn't have taken this job on."
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