Novak Djokovic on Boris Becker: ‘I consider him family, it breaks my heart to see what’s happening’

Novak Djokovic has told Boris Becker ‘can count on him for whatever he can provide’ after hosting the German’s family at Wimbledon.

Becker was handed a two-and-a-half year prison sentence earlier this year after being found guilty of hiding his assets after declaring bankruptcy.

Djokovic was coached by Becker earlier in his career and they have maintained a close relationship ever since, and he has no intention of abandoning his friend in his time of need.

“I was really glad to have hosted his girlfriend and his son, Noah, to my first round and now today second-round match,” Djokovic said after beating Thanasi Kokkinakis.

“Noah and his younger brother Elias are going to visit Boris I think in the next few days for the first time since he went to prison.”

Novak Djokovic has been unable to visit Boris Becker in prison himself, but he says he has been communicating with him via the German’s family.

“I’ve just been trying to give support to people around him, his closest people, his family members, because I consider Boris really a family member, someone that I greatly appreciate, respect, and care about,” he said.

“We’ve been through a lot together during those three years of collaboration. Our relationship dates back even before that.

“Of course, after we finished our professional relationship, we always stayed close, him with my team, with my agents, with my family.

“Of course, it breaks my heart to see what’s happening to him. I can only imagine how hard it is for his family members. So, of course, this is a little gesture of friendship to invite them.

“He knows and they know that they can always count on me for whatever support or help I can provide.”