MELBOURNE — The relationship between a legendary coach and a generational talent is often built on mutual understanding and predictable patterns. But during Novak Djokovic’s triumphant 2024 Australian Open campaign, his long-time mentor Boris Becker was taken aback by a specific facet of the champion’s behaviour, one that revealed a profound shift in the Serbian’s mindset and, in Becker’s view, his true colours.
Djokovic, chasing an unprecedented 25th Grand Slam title, navigated a physically demanding and emotionally charged fortnight. Battling illness, a troublesome wrist, and a string of formidable young challengers, his path was far from smooth. Yet, it was his demeanour in the face of these adversities, particularly during his four-set semi-final victory over Jannik Sinner, that left Becker genuinely surprised. The German tennis icon, commentating for Eurosport, observed a Novak Djokovic the public rarely sees.
The Unflappable Composure Under Siege
Throughout his career, Djokovic has been a polarising figure, with critics often labelling his on-court outbursts and fiery competitiveness as petulant. However, in Melbourne this year, a different narrative unfolded. Facing a player who had beaten him twice in their previous three meetings, and struggling to find his rhythm early, Djokovic displayed a zen-like calm. Becker noted, "What surprised me the most was his composure. Even when he was down, when things weren't working, there was no anger, no smashed racquets, no berating of his box. It was pure, calculated problem-solving."
This was not the reactive Djokovic of old. Becker, who coached Djokovic from 2013 to 2016, a period that yielded six Grand Slam titles, pointed to a critical moment in the third set against Sinner. After missing a crucial forehand to go down a break, Djokovic simply walked to the back of the court, took a deep breath, and looked inward. "The old Novak might have erupted," Becker stated. "This Novak internalised it. He showed his true colours not as a fiery competitor, but as a serene warrior. That's a frightening evolution for his opponents."
A Leader Embracing His Role and His Rivals
Beyond his in-match demeanour, Becker was equally struck by Djokovic’s conduct off the court. In press conferences and interactions, the 36-year-old openly embraced his role as the elder statesman of the tour, offering genuine praise for the "Next Gen" players like Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz who are chasing him. He spoke of the "new wave" with respect, not resentment. This, Becker argues, is the hallmark of a secure champion who has made peace with his legacy and is now playing for history’s sake.
Furthermore, Djokovic’s actions following his record-extending 10th Australian Open final win over Daniil Medvedev were telling. Exhausted after a gruelling 3-hour, 44-minute battle, he immediately went to his team, not just for celebration, but for shared solace. He then made a point of consoling Medvedev, whose own heroic effort fell just short. Becker observed, "The empathy he showed Medvedev, understanding the pain of losing such a brutal final, was incredibly authentic. It wasn't for the cameras. It was one great champion recognising the agony of another."
The Pillars of Djokovic's Melbourne Mindset
Becker distilled the behaviours that caught him off guard into several key pillars that defined Djokovic’s campaign:
- Emotional Regulation: A near-total absence of destructive emotional outbursts, channeling frustration into focused tactical adjustments.
- Public Grace: Consistently elevating his rivals in interviews, acknowledging their quality and the challenge they present.
- Physical Vulnerability: Openly admitting to not feeling 100%, which humanised him while simultaneously sending a message about his resilience.
- Empathetic Leadership: Using his platform post-victory to acknowledge the struggle of his opponent and the collective effort of his team.
This collection of traits, Becker insists, paints the picture of a man who has undergone a significant internal shift. "The hunger is still there, it's primal," Becker said. "But it's now wrapped in a layer of wisdom and perspective he didn't have a decade ago. He's not just playing to win; he's playing to define what a champion's twilight looks like."
The Strategic Value of Revealed "True Colours"
Some might question whether this composed demeanour is merely a strategic facade. Becker vehemently disagrees, arguing that the consistency of this behaviour under extreme pressure proves its authenticity. He suggests that by showing these "true colours," Djokovic is engaging in a subtle psychological masterstroke. He is no longer the villain others can rally against; he is the respected benchmark, the impassable mountain that must be scaled.
This, Becker concludes, makes him more formidable than ever. "When your opponent is a tornado of emotion, you know you can wait for the storm to pass," he explained. "But when your opponent is a calm, deep lake, there is no storm to wait out. The pressure is constant, silent, and immense. That's what Novak has become." The young challengers are not just battling his physical game, but now also the unnerving, unshakeable peace he has found within competition.
Conclusion: The Evolution of a Champion
Novak Djokovic’s 2024 Australian Open victory was a testament to his enduring skill and physical fortitude. However, for Boris Becker, the most significant revelation was not the 25th major title itself, but the manner in which it was secured. The behaviours that "caught him off guard"—the preternatural calm, the public empathy, the graceful embrace of his role—signal the arrival of Djokovic’s final, and perhaps most complete, evolution.
He has transitioned from the fiery challenger to the dominant king, and now into the wise emperor of the sport. By showing these true colours under the brightest lights, Djokovic has redefined what it means to be at the pinnacle. He is no longer just fighting opponents; he is crafting a legacy of psychological mastery to complement his technical supremacy, leaving even his most astute observers, like Boris Becker, in a state of respectful surprise.