Eurosport expert Boris Becker: "I would never bet against Nadal"
Boris Becker is back as an expert for Eurosport. In an interview with the broadcasting TV station, the three-time Wimbledon champion gave his assessment of the men's favorites.
by p.m
last edit:
Jan 13, 2023, 03:54 pm
Boris Becker ...
… about Alexander Zverev and his biggest challenges when he returns to the Grand Slam after a long injury break:
Becker : “The good news: the ankle held up. The bad thing is that he didn't have match fitness at least two weeks ago. He has to listen to his body and work his way into a crisis situation - by the way, the draw for the Australian Open doesn't matter. There is no bad or good draw for Zverev! It must now be a matter of surviving the first lap as well and as accident-free as possible. Only then does he know 100 percent where he is. I assume that fitness is better than two weeks ago. The mode with three winning sets also suits him. The truth is just out there. That silly old saying is really true. He has to feel his way around - but I'm sure: We'll see a better Zverev from set to set!"
… about Novak Djokovic and whether he is the clear favorite for Becker in Melbourne?
Becker : “Favorite yes, also top favorite, but not as clear as in the past. The Rod Laver Arena is his living room, it's where he feels most comfortable and has won the title nine times. Novak had a very unfortunate time in Australia last year and was ultimately expelled from the country. I'm glad that this episode is no longer the main topic and it's back to sports. Only: It will not be an easy tournament. Expectations are high, Novak wants to equal Nadal's Grand Slam record. In addition, he seems to have something on his thigh and is probably not quite at 100 percent."
... whether Djokovic's expulsion and the uproar surrounding him last year has had an impact on the Serb:
Becker : "I've read some expert opinions recently and, unlike some of them, I don't think it would inhibit him. On the contrary: it makes him hotter and more aggressive - also because he realizes that he can't play tennis endlessly and that his time will be over at some point. His disappointment a year ago was huge, but I think he'll be all the better for this season at the Australian Open."
... about Rafael Nadal, behind whom many see a question mark, Becker too?
Becker : “As long as this guy is there, I would never bet against him. Let's remember last year: he didn't really stand a chance, arrived in Australia and played a Challenger competition to prepare. Nobody took that seriously, many even smiled. Two weeks later Nadal won the Australian Open. He's an incredible competitor and if he didn't have a chance he wouldn't play. I'm a big Nadal fan. He is an absolute role model for young players and sets an example of what can be achieved with attitude, discipline and pure will. In the ranking of favorites for Melbourne, he comes second for me.”