'Too many sideshows': Boris Becker hits out at former pupil Novak Djokovic's bizarre 'energetic disc' interview
Updated . First published
Tennis legend Boris Becker has hit out at his former pupil Novak Djokovic after the Serbian's recent GQ interview in which he revealed he had an "energetic disc" used to alleviate pain.
In a video the publication posted to Instagram, Djokovic showed off the green disc he said had been made for him by an engineer in Serbia.
"It's (an) energetic disc (that) creates an electromagnetic field around it and (the) kind of secret is in this pattern," he said.
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"And so when you place it on a certain part of your body, place this part, for example, if you have stomach issues, which I do have often when I'm nervous, stressed before the match or indigestion issues, that's (sic) creates heat.
Novak Djokovic used his GC interview to show off this 'energetic disc' he claims has cured him of several ailments GQ
"So then it starts enhancing the metabolic functions or it reduces inflammation in certain part of the body.
"A doctor that I know in Serbia, who is also an engineer, he created this disc for me and I have a bunch of those and I do carry it everywhere.
"When I fly in the plane, I put it on (my) head or somewhere. I shouldn't be having it on the body parts for too long, so like 20-30 minutes it does its work."
Djokovic is renowned for his radical views on health, describing himself as "pro freedom" after his refusal to be vaccinated against COVID-19. He was famously deported from Australia ahead of the 2022 Australian Open due to his stance on the COVID-19 vaccine.
Since the interview was released, many, including Becker, who was Djokovic's coach during a successful three-year period between 2013 and 2016, have been critical of Djokovic's interesting off-court antics and comments leading into the grand slam.
"There are too many sideshows for me," he said on the Becker-Petkovic podcast.
Boris Becker and Novak Djokovic in 2020. Getty
"If that's the priority at the moment, then I don't think that's good – and even dangerous.
"He is the most successful player of all time. He wants to win another grand slam. And for that, he needs all the energy he has left.
"And he has to hold back a bit when it comes to these headlines."
Djokovic will take to take to the court for his first round match against American Nishesh Basavareddy on Monday night.
