Becker believes Djokovic trying to shorten points amid injury: "Novak wouldn't behave like that if he had nothing"

As the former coach of Novak Djokovic, Becker knows more about the Serbian than the average fan and it's clear to him that something is wrong.

Generally very precise in the way he approaches tennis, Djokovic is showing far more risk in his game in these past few matches. An added aggressiveness is clearly visible even to those that don't watch him often and according to Becker, it's probably due to the injury. He won the last match convincingly showing that quick pace of play once more but he also showed more stretching, more painful grimacing, and a couple of tumbles as well.

Becker broke it down like this:

"Novak is now going for the quick points. That starts with the serve, because he's also taking more risks on the second [serve]. In the rallies he tried to dominate with his forehand. It was an interesting match, with ups and downs. Dimitrov had what it takes to beat Djokovic, but he [Djokovic] was better in the decisive moments.”

On the injury, Becker expanded:

"I've known him for a long time and I know that he has problems with his thigh. Novak can grit his teeth when it comes to important points, but he also lets it go in less important moments. Sometimes you think he's bluffing or can't finish the game. It's a bit of heaven and hell. That also makes it difficult for the opponent. But Novak wouldn't behave like that if he had nothing."