In the high-stakes world of tennis, few voices carry the weight of Boris Becker. A legend in his own right, the German powerhouse spent three formative years coaching Novak Djokovic, a period that cemented one of the sport's most formidable player-coach bonds. Yet, despite his intimate involvement in Djokovic's quest to become the Greatest of All Time (GOAT), Becker makes a staggering declaration that places another icon on an even higher pedestal.
A Bond Forged in Victory
From 2013 to 2016, Boris Becker and Novak Djokovic formed a partnership that dominated the ATP tour. During this period, Djokovic added six of his 24 Grand Slam titles to his collection, completing a career Grand Slam and holding all four major titles simultaneously. Becker, who had navigated the pressures of being a teenage Wimbledon champion, provided not just tactical insight but crucial mental fortitude. "Our connection was immediate," Becker has often reflected. "I understood the weight he carried, and he trusted my experience."
Their relationship transcended the typical coach-player dynamic. They shared a mutual respect built on a foundation of shared ambition and an understanding of the unique pressures at the pinnacle of the sport. Even after their professional collaboration ended, the bond remained. "We still talk, we are close. It was a life-changing experience for both of us," Becker has said.
The Unrivaled Importance of Roger Federer
Given this deep connection to Djokovic's legacy, Becker's recent pronouncement sent ripples through the tennis world. He unequivocally stated that while Djokovic may have the statistical claim to greatness, his great rival, Roger Federer, is "the most important sportsman of all time."
This isn't merely about forehands and backhands, or even Grand Slam counts. For Becker, Federer's impact transcends the record books and reshaped the very fabric of the sport. "What Roger Federer has done for tennis, no one has done for any other sport," Becker explained in an interview. "He is the icon. He is the man who put tennis on the map globally, in a way that nobody else has."
Becker argues that before Federer, tennis was a popular sport, but it was Federer's artistry, grace, and global appeal that elevated it to a new level of mainstream consciousness. He became a cross-cultural figure, as comfortable and recognizable on the cover of a fashion magazine as on the sports pages. This universal appeal, Becker contends, is what separates him.
The Three Pillars of Federer's Impact
Becker's admiration for Federer is built on several key pillars that extend beyond winning matches. In his view, Federer's contribution is a multi-faceted legacy that includes:
- Global Ambassadorship: Federer became the face of tennis in every corner of the globe, attracting new audiences and inspiring a generation of players with his effortless style and sportsmanship.
- Artistic Revolution: In an era increasingly dominated by power and physicality, Federer championed artistry. His game was a ballet of precision, timing, and creativity, making him a must-watch athlete for purists and casual fans alike.
- Economic Elevation: Federer's marketability brought unprecedented financial investment and sponsorship into tennis, raising the profile and earning potential for every player on tour.
Becker elaborated, "When you talk about prize money, when you talk about attention, when you talk about new fans... the players should get down on their knees and thank Roger Federer for what he did." This sentiment underscores a belief that the entire ecosystem of modern professional tennis benefits from the foundation Federer built.
Navigating the GOAT Debate with Nuance
Becker is acutely aware of the numbers. He does not dismiss Djokovic's monumental achievements, which, by most objective metrics—most Grand Slams, most weeks at World No. 1, a double Career Grand Slam—make a compelling case for his supremacy. "Novak is the best player that ever played the game, if you just look at the statistics," Becker concedes.
However, he draws a critical distinction between being the "greatest" and the "most important." The former can be measured in titles and records; the latter is measured in cultural impact, legacy, and the indelible mark left on the sport itself. In Becker's view, Djokovic is the ultimate competitor and the statistical king, but Federer is the transformative figure who changed the game's trajectory forever.
This nuanced take acknowledges the brilliance of both his former charge and his greatest rival. It’s a perspective that only someone with Becker's unique insider status—having coached one legend to victory against another—can provide with such authority. He has seen the machinery of Djokovic's greatness up close, yet remains in awe of the cathedral that Federer built around the sport.
A Legacy Beyond the Trophy Cabinet
The debate between Federer, Djokovic, and Rafael Nadal will rage for decades, often reduced to a simple tally of major titles. Boris Becker's commentary adds a vital layer of depth to this conversation. He forces fans and pundits to consider value beyond the silverware.
What is the true measure of a sportsman's importance? Is it the number of trophies lifted, or is it the number of hearts and minds captured? Is it the dominance over one's peers, or the elevation of the entire sport for future generations? For Becker, the answer is clear. While the relentless excellence of Novak Djokovic defines the modern game's competitive standard, the elegance and global resonance of Roger Federer defined its soul.
In concluding his thoughts, Becker often returns to the intangible magic of Federer. "There will be other champions, there will be other record winners, but there will never be another Roger Federer. He is a once-in-a-lifetime athlete who transcended his sport, and that is why he is the most important." It is a powerful testament, made all the more significant coming from a man who helped build the legacy of his greatest rival.