Boris Becker ’s son has been in contact with Novak Djokovic since the German has been in jail. The world number one was coached by the 54-year-old for three seasons and it was a very successful partnership, as Djokovic won six Grand Slam titles and 14 Masters 1000 titles between 2014-2016.
One of those victories came at the French Open six years ago – the only Grand Slam singles title which Becker never won himself. Following his straight set victory over Aljaž Bedene in the French Open third round yesterday, Djokovic revealed a conversation he had with Becker's eldest son Noah, 28, and offered his support to the family.
“I’ve been in touch with one of his sons, Noah, asking if there is something that I can do to help and be there for his family members,” the Serbian said. “I can’t get to him but it’s terrible, I don’t know what to say. It’s very sad that someone I know so well and someone that is a legend of our sport, is going through what he is going through.” Becker also has three other children - Anna, 22, Elias, 22 and Amadeus, 12.
Speaking ahead of the Madrid Open earlier this month, Djokovic said he was "heartbroken" after hearing the shocking news. "Just heartbroken for him. He's a friend, a long-time friend, a coach for three, four years, someone I consider close in my life and has contributed a lot to my success in my career,” the Serbian explained.
"I'm not going to get into details of the verdict, because I'm not in a position to do that, but, as his friend, I'm super sad for him. It's not much that you can say. I just hope he will go through this period that he has to be in jail and that when he comes out he's able to live his life.
“I don't know if we'll use the word 'normal' because life is definitely changing for anybody going to prison, especially for that long of a time. So I don't know how things will turn out for him. I just pray for him. I hope things will be well in terms of his health, his mental health, because that's going to be the most challenging part."
Becker is spending time behind bars after he was sentenced to two and a half years behind bars for hiding assets during bankruptcy proceedings. He is expected to spend 15 months locked up, and serve the rest of his time on licence.
He was previously at category B Wandsworth prison in south west London, near Wimbledon, where he enjoyed so much success as a player and became the tournament's youngest winner aged just 17 in 1985, the first of his three titles.
