Boris Becker interview: Djoko hasn't forgotten how to win big games

KOLKATA: He may not be among the pantheon of all-time greats, but Boris Becker is, well, Boris Becker.
On his first visit to Kolkata, to flag off Sunday's Tata Steel 25K run, the three-time Wimbledon champion had a hectic day since flying into the city from Delhi in the morning. The 49-year-old Puma Legend took questions from TOI during an interaction with select mediapersons at the hotel.
Following are excerpts:
Having travelled with Novak for three years and had so much success with him, won't you miss coaching next season?
Who says I won't be coaching in 2017? I'd be going to Melbourne to do some TV commentary (during Australian Open in January) and I'm sure I'd be meeting those players who have been calling me these past couple of weeks...Not fair to disclose those names... I am in no rush as you have to properly close one chapter before opening a new one. But I won't rule out coaching, may be as soon as next year.
How tough is it for a multiple Grand Slam champion to coach a world No. 1?
It's difficult for a successful player to be coach of a top pro because his ego is bigger. It takes maturity and wisdom to understand the job. I started my coaching career when I was in charge of the German junior team for 5 years after I retired. That helped me become a better coach 10 years down the line.
Andy seems to have broken the mental barrier and started dominating Novak. Would you agree?
I don't think so. Dominating means winning Grand Slam after Grand Slam. Andy won Wimbledon this year, but he lost two Slam finals to Novak and was beaten in the quarters of US Open (by Kei Nishikori). He finished the year strongly and getting the year-end No. 1 ranking was a big breakthrough for him. But I'm curious to see how he goes now, how he handles the pressure of being No. 1... That's a different beast.
Many feel Novak has lost the intensity that made him the dominant player. Can he get back that incredible level?
There's no reason why he can't get it back. He played well in the ATP Finals also, beating Nishikori 6-1, 6-1 in the semis. It's just that one match (final vs Murray) which made the difference in ranking. He's not forgotten how to win big matches. From what I hear from his camp, his intensity level in practice has gone up. I don't think he's too far away from his best.
Rafa Nadal has 14 Slams, Novak has 12. Realistically speaking, do you think one of them has a chance to match Roger Federer's 17?
The way Novak has been playing the last three years, you can't put it be yond him. If he stays healthy, hungry and motivated, he has a chance. Rafa hasn't won a Slam in the last 2 years because he's had several injuries, but he's not over the hill. The French Open is still his best chance. If he's smart with his schedule, who knows? But of the two, Novak has the better chance.
Indians have been very good in doubles over the years. Do you follow them?
Yes Leander Paes, Mahesh Bhupathi and now Sania Mirza. I am good friends with all of them. Especially Sania, who reaches the finals regularly and we keep meeting each other at several events. Sania insists that we have lunch together during the weekends because she thinks I bring her luck.