Novak Djokovic has revealed he's keeping in touch with former coach Boris Becker whilst the German serves his prison sentence.
Back in April, Becker, 54, was found guilty of four charges under the Insolvency Act, having hidden £2.5million of assets after being declared bankrupt in 2017. As a result, he was sentenced to two-and-a-half years in jail at Southwark Crown Court.
Becker, who six Grand Slam titles during his career - three of which came at Wimbledon - begun coaching Djokovic in 2013. During their three year stint together, the Serbian won six Slam titles and 14 Masters 1000 titles.
The pair remained close despite finishing their partnership. Indeed Djokovic, who on Friday will face compatriot Miomir Kecmanovic in his third-round match at SW19, 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, as quoted by thesportsman . "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."
And the 35-year-old, who is seeking his 23rd Grand Slam title win, conceded he was finding his former mentor's plight difficult to deal with: "Of course, it breaks my heart to see what's happening to him," he added.
"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.”
Djokovic himself has endured a controversial year, having been deported home the day before the Australian Open started in January following his explosive visa saga. His refusal to be vaccinated against Covid could also cost him a place at the US Open, given America's current restrictions.
During the debacle down under, Becker had urged Djokovic to take his jabs, warning his ex-protege he was risking ruining his ambition to win more Slams than any other player: "On this occasion I think he is making a big mistake in not getting vaccinated," wrote the German.
"It is one that threatens what remains of his career and his chance to cement himself as the greatest player of all time." Sure enough, it was Rafael Nadal who went on to take the title, moving him one ahead of his rival on the all-time list with 21 wins.
The Spaniard then beat Djokovic en route to winning the French Open to notch title number 22. It means there his extra pressure on the Belgrade-born star to close the gap at Wimbledon.
