Boris Becker tells media circus around Novak Djokovic's retirement to stop as Serb hunts for elusive 25th Grand Slam

Novak Djokovic won his last and historic 24th Grand Slam at the 2023 US Open. Since then, the 38-year old has failed short against opponents, especially World No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz and World No. 2 Jannik Sinner.

Given the dip in form, some are even asking the Serb to call it a day and not chase the elusive 25th title. However, tennis legend Boris Becker came out in support of Djokovic's decision to continue playing. Becker asks critics to note that Djokovic reached all four major semi-finals this year and also won two tournaments. The former coach said Djokovic's presence is important for tennis.

“Look, I think he’s important for tennis today," Becker told the Guardian. "He leads by example and shows the young players the amount of dedication you need to come to the top and then stay on top. He’s still chasing his 25th grand slam and reached all four major semi-finals this year and won two tournaments.

"Who are we to challenge Novak when to stop? I heard the other day that he wants to play at the Olympics in LA 2028. Let him. We need him.”

Becker also added that Djokovic has thrived whenever he has been counted underdog:

“Whoever was playing against Novak Djokovic lost a lot of money for the last 20 years. So I’d never bet against Novak.”

As such, Becker has made his feelings clear that Djokovic has the skills to win his 25th title and even if not, his hunger to choose excellent serves as inspiration to others.

Boris Becker recalls watching Novak Djokovic win the iconic 2025 Wimbledon title against Nick Kyrgios behind bars

In April 2022, Boris Becker was sentenced to 2.5 years in prison by a London court as he was convicted on four charges under the U.K. Insolvency Act. This required him to watch the 2022 Wimbledon final behind bars.

The 2022 title game at All England Club pitted Novak Djokovic against Nick Kyrgios. During his interview with the Guardian, Becker recalled the feeling after Djokovic finally won the match point against Kyrgios to win the match 4-6, 6-3, 6-4, 7-6.

“I wasn’t afraid any more," Becker said. "And when Novak won, and raised his arms, I stood up and raised my arms too. As I did so, the noise along the wing broke out again, louder than ever before. The banging didn’t stop for 10 minutes. On walls, on doors. With cups, with chairs. It had taken me two weeks to educate them that this was my man, and now I realised. They had understood. I stood there and I cried.”

Becker coached Djokovic to six Grand Slam victories between the end of 2013 to December 2016.