Boris Becker says 'hats off' to Murray, talks about coaching future with Djokovic

Boris Becker refused to give a clear indication with regards to his coaching future with Novak Djokovic ahead of the new season as reports circulate that their three-year partnership is likely to be terminated.

The former six-time Grand Slam champion has been in the Serb's corner for the last three years, and has helped him to six major titles including completing a career Grand Slam following his win at Roland Garros earlier this year. Djokovic, however, struggled in the second-half of the campaign with his last victory coming in July's Rogers Cup, which saw Andy Murray overtake him and seal his place at the top of the men's rankings.

The Scot had won just two tournaments prior to his triumph at Wimbledon in July this year. He followed it up with gold at the Olympic Games in Rio and ended the season with five consecutive wins, which included two Masters Series titles and the season ending finale. Becker tipped his hat off to Murray and made it clear that his top ranking status was earned with consistent performances on the ATP tour.

Djokovic seemed to have captured his form at the season-ending ATP World Tour Finals in London, but was thrashed by Murray in the final, which ensured the latter ended the year as the world number one. The German tennis legend has warned Murray that the Serb will return to his best form next season, but refused to confirm if he will be part of his coaching team in 2017.

"I can't give you a yes or a no yet at this time of year," Becker said about his future with Djokovic, as quoted by the Times.

"The first time I noticed a difference [in Murray] was this year at the French Open," Becker says. "On his least favourite surface, getting to the final, what are you doing? You are on our tail now. All of a sudden he wins the first set in the final, it's like, 'Holy s***, this is getting close.'

"Unbelievable respect and credit for him and his team. You don't become No 1 by accident, it's not just a blip in the system. You earn your position and he's earned it. The consistency throughout the year made him the No 1 player in the world. My hat's off to him," the former six-time Grand Slam champion added.