Former World No. 1 Novak Djokovic’s coach has backed reigning champion Roger Federer to defend his Australian Open crown in Melbourne.
Becker, a three-time Wimbledon winner, picked Federer as the overwhelming favorite to claim his sixth title at Melbourne, which will put him level with Djokovic and Roy Emerson, the two players who have won six Norman Brookes trophies each.
Becker, who mentored the Serbian star until 2016, gave his former student no chance whatsoever as he will not have the rhythm and consistency needed to win a Grand Slam after a lengthy layoff from the game. However, Becker did argue in favor of Federer’s other main rival Rafael Nadal, whom he termed as the second favourite behind the Swiss maestro.
The former World No. 1 told Eurosport: “The big question is, who will overtake Rafa [Nadal] and Roger?
“I mean they are the two players at the top of their game and they are two of the most successful tennis players ever.
“So as long as they’re here they will be competing at the highest level and fighting for Grand Slam titles, it will be hard to beat them.
“I think it will be Federer, I have to give it to him.
“He’s the defending champion coming out of a strong, unbelievable year. So I think he’s the favourite.
“On the women’s side I would say Serena Williams but as she’s not playing I think there is no clear favourite.”
Federer will be seeking his 20th Major title in the event in Victoria. But, the draw has made things a little complicated for the 36-year-old. He is in the dangerous lower half of the draw where his potential opponents are Djokovic, World No. 4 Alexander Zverev, and three-time Grand Slam champion Stan Wawrinka. 5th seed Dominic Thiem, former Wimbledon runner-up Tomas Berdych and acrobatic Frenchman Gael Monfils also feature in the same section of the draw.
