Becker and Lendl to renew their rivalry - as coaches
German's shock appointment as Djokovic's coach will mean the former great will one day cross paths with old nemesis, who is Murray's mentor
Boris Becker once shared a bitter rivalry with Ivan Lendl across the net and now the two former world number ones will try to outwit each other from courtside after the German's shock appointment as tennis coach to Novak Djokovic.
After Djokovic was named ITF world champion for this year, despite being overshadowed by Spain's Rafa Nadal, Serbia's world No 2 announced the first shake-up of his team since a short and unsuccessful spell with Todd Martin in 2009.
Djokovic's decision to work with 46-year-old Becker means two of the current "Big Four" are now coached by former greats with Lendl helping Britain's Andy Murray to the 2012 US Open title and this year's Wimbledon crown.
"I am really excited to have the opportunity to work with Boris," the 26-year-old Djokovic. "He is a true legend, someone who has great tennis knowledge and his experience will help me win new trophies from the grand slams and other tournaments. Becker is a great person, too, and I am sure he will fit in our team in the best possible way."
Becker, like Djokovic a six-times grand slam champion, will replace the Serb's long-time coach Marian Vajda, although the Slovakian will remain part of the team.
I am proud Novak invited me to become his head coach. I will do my best to help him reach his goals, and I am sure we can achieve great things together
The last time Djokovic tinkered with his close-knit entourage he brought in former American player Martin but the relationship was terminated in 2010 after a less than fruitful year together.