Boris Becker backs Novak Djokovic rivals to 'throw a spanner in the works' as he makes 2024 prediction

Boris Becker expects Novak Djokovic to win “a Grand Slam or two” in 2024 but thinks the Serbian’s rivals, including Carlos Alcaraz, will “more often throw a spanner in the works.”

The six-time Grand Slam champion marvelled at the longevity Djokovic showcased this year by declaring “you’re not really meant to play tennis like that at the age of 36.”

Becker coached his fellow great Djokovic between 2014 and 2016 – during which time the Serbian won six Grand Slam titles and 14 ATP Masters 1000 tournaments.

Djokovic won three of the four Grand Slam tournaments this year, securing the Australian Open, French Open and US Open crowns. This was the fourth season in Djokovic’s career where he won three of the four Majors after 2011, 2015 and 2021.

The 36-year-old fell in five epic sets to young rival Carlos Alcaraz in the title match at Wimbledon in July – his first loss in a completed match at the All England Club since 2016.

The 24-time Grand Slam champion finished the season as the ATP year-end No 1 for a record-extending eighth time, while he also claimed a record seventh ATP Finals title.

Speaking on Eurosport Germany’s Das Gelbe vom Ball podcast, Becker – who now coaches world No 8 Holger Rune – discussed Djokovic’s dominance in 2023 and looked ahead to next season.

“You’re not really meant to play tennis like that at the age of 36,” the German said. “When does the guy get tired, or when does he run out of motivation?

“Novak is the dominator of the tennis scene – he has won three out of four Grand Slams [in 2023], then came second in that fabulous Wimbledon final against [Carlos] Alcaraz.

“For me, that was the best match of the year. With all due respect to all the other winners, Djokovic against Alcaraz was out of this world.

“He will be 37 years old next May, whereas Alcaraz and co. will be better and more experienced. I think the best thing that can happen for the tennis scene as a whole is for Djokovic to remain strong and for the younger generation to come closer.

“In other words, I still expect Djokovic to win a Grand Slam or two. But I also believe that Alcaraz and co. will more often throw a spanner in the works.

“I hope that this rivalry between the most successful player of all time and the rest of the tennis world continues for a long time, because we tennis fans and amateur players benefit from it.”