Tennis legend Boris Becker entered a social media debate after observing that his former pupil, Novak Djokovic, was left off a shortlist inviting fans to name the greatest tennis player of all time. Becker questioned how such a discussion could proceed without including a player who has rewritten much of the sport’s record book.

Boris Becker Criticizes Novak Djokovic’s Omission From Greatest Tennis Player Debate

Becker’s reaction carries weight not only because of his Hall of Fame status but also because of his connection to Djokovic’s career. The two began working together in December 2013 and quickly became one of the most formidable player-coach teams in the sport.

Under Becker’s guidance, Djokovic delivered some of the most dominant stretches of his career, winning six Grand Slam trophies, collecting 14 Masters 1000 titles, and sealing his long-pursued career Grand Slam with a breakthrough French Open victory.

Although their partnership ended in 2016, both have frequently spoken with deep respect for one another, cementing that period as a defining chapter in Djokovic’s ascent to all-time great status.

The debate began when an X account posted a poll asking fans to choose the best tennis player of all time from a list that included Andre Agassi, Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer, John McEnroe, and Andy Roddick. Conspicuously absent was Djokovic, despite the Serb having surpassed every name listed in nearly every major statistical category.

Becker, visibly puzzled by the omission, responded directly to the post and asked, “What about Djokovic?!”

What about Djokovic?! https://t.co/Q6divIpec4

— Boris Becker (@TheBorisBecker) December 10, 2025

Can Djokovic Overtake Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer in Popularity, According to Becker?

Becker recently said Djokovic could eventually become more popular than Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer, adding that the Serb is finally getting the respect he deserves. With Federer gone since 2022 and Nadal since 2024, Djokovic is the last of the trio still active. Despite a lighter schedule, he has reached eight quarterfinals in 12 events this year and won the Geneva Open.
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At 38, the 24-time Grand Slam champion is feeling the difficulty of chasing more majors, a point Becker noted on the “High Performance” podcast: “He has earned the respect he has always deserved. If he plays for another year or two, he will become the most popular tennis player of all time, because the longer he is on the court, the more people will realize what Novak is really like.”

Retirement rumors have followed Djokovic for years, but he shut them down in Riyadh last month, saying he’s still motivated and eager to keep pushing his limits.