LONDON — World No. 2 Novak Djokovic has appointed six-time Grand Slam winner Boris Becker as his head coach, the Serbian announced Wednesday. “I am really excited to have the opportunity to work with Boris,” the 26-year-old Djokovic said in a statement on his website. “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, 46, will replace Djokovic's long-time coach Marian Vajda although the Slovakian will remain part of the team. He will travel with Djokovic to all four Grand Slam tournaments, starting with the forthcoming Australian Open, as well as a number of other major events. German Becker was the youngest winner of Wimbledon at 17 and won 64 ATP titles in total. Djokovic lost the No. 1 ranking to Spain's Rafa Nadal in October despite having another strong year. The Serb finished the 2013 season by winning the ATP World Tour Finals in London and has targeted adding to his six grand slam titles next season. “My goal for 2014 is to play my best tennis and to get in shape for the Grand Slams and Masters 1000,” Djokovic said. “These tournaments have the most weight in our sport, and I want to prove my worth at them. The team is now strengthened and we hope for maximum results.” Djokovic's announcement means Becker and former world No. 1 Ivan Lendl, coach to Wimbledon champion Andy Murray, will be back in competition, albeit in the safety of the players' boxes. Djokovic, Serena on top Novak Djokovic and Serena Williams are the International Tennis Federation's world champions for 2013. Djokovic captured the men's award for the third successive year, and Serena took the honor for the fourth time. Djokovic started the year by winning a third straight Australian Open and was runner-up at Wimbledon and the US Open. The 26-year-old Serb finished the season No. 2 in the ATP rankings with seven tour titles. The 32-year-old Serena won the French Open and US Open in 2013 to end the year No. 1 in the WTA rankings for the first time since 2009. American twins Bob and Mike Bryan were named men's doubles world champions for the 10th time in 11 years, while Sara Errani and Roberta Vinci of Italy took the women's doubles award. — Agencies
