FILE - In this Wednesday, July 25, 2012 file photo, Boris Becker arrives for the 'Sports For Peace' Fundraising Ball at The V&A museum in central London. Novak Djokovic is turning to Boris Becker for help in 2014. The second-ranked Serb said Wednesday Dec. 18, 2013 that six-time Grand Slam champion Boris Becker will join his staff for next season as head coach. (AP Photo/Joel Ryan, File)
December 18, 2013 - 6:00 AM
MONACO, Monaco - Novak Djokovic is turning to Boris Becker for help in 2014.
The second-ranked Serb said Wednesday that Becker will join his staff for next season as head coach.
"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," Djokovic said in a statement. "Becker is a great person, too, and I am sure he will fit in our team in the best possible way."
The 46-year-old Becker, a six-time Grand Slam champion, will travel with Djokovic and other coaches to tournaments, including next month's Australian Open.
Djokovic won his fourth Australian Open title last year and finished the 2013 season ranked No. 2 in the world behind Rafael Nadal.
Becker will join a coaching staff that also includes Marian Vajda, Miljan Amanovic and Gebhard Phil-Gritsch.
"I will do my best to help him reach his goals, and I am sure we can achieve great things together," said Becker, who became the youngest man to win Wimbledon when he was 17 in 1985.
Vajda, who has been working with Djokovic since 2006, said the Serb needed a new head coach to continue improving.
"Becker's assignment will not affect much my position in the team, since I will do all I can for Novak, just like I did before," Vajda said. "On the other hand, choosing Boris as the head coach is a good solution, I am sure we will get along very well, and that Novak will continue to progress."
News from © The Associated Press, 2013