Paris: Novak Djokovic said on Friday that seeing former mentor Boris Becker in prison on accusations related to a 2017 bankruptcy “breaks my heart,” and that he hopes the German icon remains “healthy and strong.”
“It breaks my heart to see him go through this,” said Djokovic. “Boris was always so nice to me and my family, and we had a great relationship throughout the years and achieved great things in this sport.
Becker and Djokovic had a three-year partnership until 2017. They won six majors during that span, including Djokovic’s first career Grand Slam in the 2016 French Open.
“I have been in touch with one of his sons, Noah, and asking if there is something that I could do to help. But it’s terrible. I just hope that he will stay healthy and strong.”
After being deported from Melbourne in January for refusing to be vaccinated, world number one Djokovic declared on Friday that he wants to return to the Australian Open next year.
Since that catastrophe, Australia’s government has changed, and Djokovic is hoping that a new administration would bring a fresh look at his immigration situation.
“I would like to go there and play Australian Open. I don’t hold any grudges,” he said.
Djokovic, the reigning champion in Paris, advanced to the fourth round for the 13th year in a row with a 6-3, 6-3, 6-2 victory over Slovenia’s Aljaz Bedene, who was ranked 195th in the world.
For a spot in the quarter-finals, the 35-year-old will face Argentina’s Diego Schwartzman, who is seeded 15th.
Djokovic, who is chasing a record-tying 21st Grand Slam championship, has a perfect 6-0 record against Schwartzman, including a five-set triumph in the third round of the 2017 French Open.
Djokovic, who hasn’t dropped a set in three rounds at Roland Garros this year, is drawn to meet 13-time winner Rafael Nadal in the quarter-finals.
