By Erik Gudris / Wednesday, December 18, 2013

 

Novak Djokovic's announcement that Boris Becker will be his new head coach caught many by surprise. But will his decision prove fortuitous or folly for the Serbian star?

Photo credit: AP
 

After finishing 2013 on a high note having won the ATP World Tour Finals in London, many wondered how Novak Djokovic would prepare for the next season. Especially with the rise of Rafael Nadal to the world No. 1 ranking.

But almost no one predicted that the answer would come down to one name - Boris Becker.

The surprise announcement on Wednesday that Becker would take over as head coach for Djokovic left many responding on social media with a collective "Huh?" While unexpected coaching hires is nothing new (remember Jimmy Connors with Maria Sharapova?), the choice of Becker will likely prove to be either a brilliant idea or a grand mistake.

"I am really excited to have the opportunity to work with Boris. He is a true legend, someone who has great tennis knowledge and his experience will help me win new trophies from the Grand Slams and other tournaments," Djokovic said in a press release.

READ: Becker Announced as Djokovic's New Coach

Becker's playing credentials cannot be denied. A former No. 1 who won six Grand Slams, including three Wimbledon titles, the garrulous German surged into tennis glory on the strength of his massive serve and penchant for diving at any ball just out of his racquet's reach. But post-retirement, Becker has never officially coached anyone and is more well known of late for his often eyebrow-raising television commentary that leaves some in stitches with others shaking their heads in dismay.

While Djokovic may be relying on Becker's experience, what Becker will actually do for the Serbian is anyone's guess. Marian Vajda, Djokovic's long-time coach, said that he expects Becker to help Djokovic on certain parts of his game. Vajda will remain part of the team and still travel with Djokovic to several events, but it appears Vajda welcomes the move so he can spend more time with his own family.

If this all sounds familiar, it does. Back in 2009, Djokovic hired Todd Martin to help with the Serbian's serve, among other things. But the relationship ended after eight months, with no hard feelings, as Djokovic decided to stick with the familiar reigns of Vajda. How Becker, with his über-bravado personality, meshes with the tight-knit Djokovic team could be the first real test of this new partnership.

The margins at the elite level of tennis are so razor thin that a mere improvement by a percentage can prove the difference between holding up a champion's or finalist's trophy. That aim to be just a fraction better than everyone else appears to be, on the surface, the main reason for Djokovic's surprise move. The 2013 season certainly was a great year for Djokovic. But there were perhaps a few too many "what if?" moments in key matches, especially at the majors, that may have prompted Djokovic to decide change was needed. And in a big way.

READ: Novak Djokovic 2013 Season Review

Ultimately, Djokovic and not Becker will be the one judged on this new alliance depending on how successful it proves. And that, of course, depends on how one defines success, especially for someone who has already won six majors himself, the exact number Becker did. If Djokovic returns to No.1 and wins that elusive French Open title, one Becker himself never claimed, the consensus will be favorable. But if Djokovic continues to post solid results, but doesn't make significant gains, especially against Nadal, then his choice of Becker will be roundly questioned.

At the moment, the men's game appears to be having something of an '80s flashback. While Andy Murray hiring Ivan Lendl started the trend a few years ago, the recent news of Michael Chang working with Kei Nishikori and Stefan Edberg practicing (for now) with Roger Federer makes the Becker and Djokovic pairing, in hindsight, not so unexpected. But because Becker, despite his resume, feels like an odd choice for Djokovic, we can only watch and wait to see how this plays out.

To borrow a phrase from poker, of which Becker is a huge fan and participant, Djokovic has gone "all-in" on Becker. Will Djokovic cash in big? Or leave the table empty-handed? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.