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Djokovic's touching gesture for bankrupt Becker

Novak Djokovic hasn't always seen eye-to-eye with Boris Becker, but he's put their differences aside in his former coach's time of need.

Former German tennis star Becker said he was "surprised and disappointed" after being declared bankrupt by a court in London on Wednesday for failing to pay a "substantial" long-standing debt.

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"This order relates to 1 disputed loan which I was due to repay in full in 1 month time! It is disappointing that my request for today's hearing to be postponed was refused," Becker said on Twitter.

"My earnings are well publicised and it was a clear that I have the means to repay this debt."

Djokovic and Becker. Image: Getty
Djokovic and Becker. Image: Getty

Djokovic and Becker parted ways last year, and the coach didn't seem particularly happy about it, criticising the former World No.1 for not spending as much time on the practice court as he should have.

But despite the friction, Djokovic has taken time out from his Wimbledon preparations to reach out to Becker.

"When I have heard it, I have checked in with him right away," Djokovic said.

"He says that it's not true and that media overreacted. That's all I know. I'll see him now in London.

"We're still friends. Even though we are not working with each other, we are still very close in terms of communication.

"I love Boris as a person, and as a coach he contributed a lot to my life and to my career.

"So if I can be of any help to him, that's what I told him, I'm always there for him. He can count on me."

Becker's lawyer said his client was not likely to benefit from bankruptcy and it could have an adverse effect on his "image".

But the judge responded: "He should have thought about that a long time ago."

She added: "It is not often the case that a professional person has a judgment (debt) outstanding against them since October 2015. This is a historic debt.

"One has the impression of a man with his head in the sand."

Becker split with Djokovic last December following three successful years together, the Serb winning six of his 12 Grand Slam titles with Becker as coach.

However since they parted ways Djokovic has suffered a spectacular fall from grace, crashing from World No.2 to No.4 in a matter of months.

with AFP