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The 'remarkable' Djokovic feat that shocked his former coach

One of Novak Djokovic’s former coaches admits he was left stunned by the Serbian star’s “remarkable” renaissance.

Since the World No.1 returned from months on the sidelines due to a chronic elbow injury, he has added three more grand slam titles to a career haul that now totals 15.

The most recent of Djokovic’s major triumphs was a record-breaking seventh Australian Open title in Melbourne last month.

However, the 31-year-old’s future in the sport was under a major cloud just 12 months ago as he recovered from elbow surgery.

Djokovic was named Sportsman of the Year at the Laureus Awards. Pic: Getty
Djokovic was named Sportsman of the Year at the Laureus Awards. Pic: Getty

Djokovic suffered a series of early exits from ATP Tour events, with speculation mounting that the Serb’s best days may have been behind him.

However, he reunited with long-time mentor Marian Vajda and has not looked back – claiming grand slams at Wimbledon and the US Open, before adding the Australian Open title.

Becker, who coached Djokovic for three years until the end of 2016, told reporters at the Laureus World Sports Awards that he was shocked at how quickly his former charge was able to return to the top of the sport.

“It’s remarkable,” Becker said.

“A year ago, he was just going through a break and elbow surgery and was just trying to find his feet again in tennis.

“For him to catapult himself back like that was not to be expected but he has a champion’s mentality. He knows what it takes to win and he’s fully on it.”

Becker has been stunned by Djokovic’s return to the top. Pic: Getty
Becker has been stunned by Djokovic’s return to the top. Pic: Getty

The Serb, who was named Sportsman of the Year at the Laureus Awards, revealed how he nearly quit tennis during that horror run of injuries.

Djokovic will hold all four majors simultaneously for the second time in his career if he wins the French Open in June, though Becker considers Nadal favourite to triumph at Roland Garros for the 12th time in his career.

However, the German believes his former pupil can still amass a record-breaking number of grand slam titles.

“A lot can happen in a year either way. I mean, you’ve seen it. Yes, on paper, he’s 31, he’s won 15 majors, yes, there’s a possibility he can reach 20,” Becker said.

“But who says that Roger isn’t going to win another one. I always liked his chances at Wimbledon on the grass. Who says that Nadal isn’t competing for it? He was in the final in Melbourne. He’s certainly the favourite in my book for the French Open, and then he has 18, there’s only two more for the French.

“So, it’s a good problem to have because ultimately, you want to be the most successful of all time and what a challenge. What a moment in all three players’ lives.”

Becker admits that stopping Nadal at Roland Garros represents the toughest assignment Djokovic will ever face in his career.

“First of all, it’s amazing that he’s in a position to do so. Very few players in the history of tennis can say that.

“Now, playing Nadal at the French is the most difficult tennis match you’re ever going to face. Novak has done it a few times, he’s beaten him one time on the year when he won the Grand Slam, and that’s going to be the match.

“The way the rankings are, I think it’s one and two, the earliest it can be is in the semi-final – I mean, what a match! Who wouldn’t want to watch that match? History will be re-written, but there’s a lot of tennis to be played until then.

“Players are going to the hard courts in America and on the clay in Europe so hopefully nobody gets injured, they keep the momentum, they play enough, but not too much. So the French Open should be an amazing high.”

With agencies