Boris Becker has offered an interesting prediction about what might be in store for Novak Djokovic at this year’s Australian Open.
During their three years together, Djokovic picked up six of his 24 Grand Slam titles, with Becker playing a significant role in his success during that period.
Even though they’re no longer working together, the two still keep in touch. This year, Djokovic is aiming to claim his 25th Grand Slam title at the Australian Open.
Djokovic got off to a strong start at the tournament, and Becker has now shared his thoughts on how he looked out there.
Boris Becker shares his take on Novak Djokovic’s Opening Win at the Australian Open
Djokovic cruised past Pedro Martinez 6-3, 6-2, 6-2 to notch his 100th win at the Australian Open, becoming only the third man in history to reach that milestone at a single Grand Slam.
Speaking on TNT Sports, two-time Australian Open champion Becker called it the ideal way for Djokovic to kick off his campaign.
“That was a perfect first round for Novak Djokovic,” said Becker. “The length of the match is good for him, as is the way he played.
“We don’t need to say anything more about his serve – it was absolutely world class today. You didn’t know what to expect. Novak hasn’t played a tournament in ten weeks, but after tonight we know that Novak Djokovic is in brilliant shape.”
Reflecting on last season, where Djokovic failed to reach a Grand Slam final for the first time since 2017, Becker still saw positives in his performances and expects him to be strong again this year.
“I was very pleasantly surprised with his level last year, particularly in the Grand Slams,” continued Becker. “He’s beaten everybody else except [Jannik] Sinner or [Carlos] Alcaraz, and there’s no shame in that because those two have dominated tennis for the better part of two years. He’s 38, and it gives him a great challenge and inspiration that he can still compete with them.”
“Naturally, with age you don’t recover as quickly and you get tired a bit faster than if you’re 28, and Sinner and Alcaraz are much younger. But I wouldn’t be surprised if Novak is in his best form starting in Melbourne. I mean, he’s won the tournament ten times. If there’s one guy who knows how to win in Melbourne, it’s Novak Djokovic.”
“Some people say it’s a disadvantage that he hasn’t played anywhere else but maybe he has a trick up his sleeve. Maybe he did something over the winter he doesn’t want to show until the first round,” added Becker.
Jim Courier highlights the one edge Djokovic holds over Sinner and Alcaraz
One of the main challenges facing Djokovic has been Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner, who have combined to win the last eight Grand Slam titles.
Alcaraz or Sinner also defeated Djokovic in three of his four Grand Slam semifinals in 2025.
When discussing Djokovic’s chances at this year’s Australian Open, former world number one Jim Courier spoke about the only advantage he believes the Serbian holds over Alcaraz and Sinner.
“The only advantage he has over Sinner and Alcaraz is experience,” Courier said. “Last year against Carlos in the quarterfinals, his ability to use that experience while injured made the difference. Carlos wasn’t experienced enough yet to know how to take advantage. So, the experience edge is still there, but that’s probably the only one.”
“It comes down to his fitness. He’s said it’s challenging now to take on Alcaraz and Sinner in best of five. We’ll see. His game hasn’t aged the way his body has.
“It’s ridiculous that he made four semifinals last year at his age. He’s more than capable of winning another major, and going for number 11 in Australia – almost half of his total if he gets to 25. He loves it there and plays well there. The question is whether he’s fit.”
This year, Courier has tipped Alcaraz to win his first Australian Open title, which would make him the youngest man ever to achieve a Career Slam.
Looking ahead in Melbourne, Djokovic will face Italian qualifier Francesco Maestrelli next on Thursday, January 22nd.
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