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11/02/2024 09:32:31 am

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Roger Federer Slams Boris Becker's Comments About His Relationship With Rival Novak Djokovic

Roger Federer

(Photo : (Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images)) PARIS, FRANCE - JUNE 02: Roger Federer of Switzerland returns a shot during his Men's quarter final match against Stanislas Wawrinka of Switzerland on day of the 2015 French Open at Roland Garros on June 2, 2015 in Paris, France.

Tennis legend Boris Becker has a lot to say about today's crop of tennis superstars. He recently made some controversial comments and former world number 1 Roger Federer has slammed some of the statements. One particular topic that has irked Federer is Becker's statement in his book that claims he and current world number 1 Novak Djokovic "don't particularly like each other."

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Becker has recently released an autobiography titled "Wimbledon: My Life and Career at the All England Club." Ever since its release, several quotes and comments he made have drawn some controversy. He particularly had some opinions about Federer, who is largely considered to be one of best players of all-time.  

For the best part of the past decade, Federer dominated the professional tennis scene along with his close competitor Rafael Nadal. The Spaniard was the "King of Clay" while Federer pretty much won nearly everything else. They each had their turn taking the other's titles until their vise grip was wrestled loose by Novak Djokovic. Becker now works  with Djokovic as his coach.

In his book, Becker claims that Federer is not revealing his true feelings for the man who usurped his throne. He thinks that Federer is too concerned about his clean-cut image to expose his real emotions. Federer spoke to the Mirror to set things straight.

"It is well know that I initially had problems with Novak's manner on court but now he behaves wonderfully and fairly. I have no problem with Novak," explained Federer. He also said that he knows Becker very well and he thought that the German should have know that he is a "relaxed guy."

What Federer defines as a relaxed persona is interpreted by Becker as a conscious attempt to stay neutral and at keep away from controversy. In the book, he states that Federer's image makes good money. Federer is clearly disappointed in the words that came out of  man that he sees as a friend and was once his idol.

 "It is always dangerous when you are talking a lot. Sometimes you say things you should not. Of course I didn't like what he said. After all, he was once my idol," said Federer.

In a separate interview with USA Today, Federer took the comments in a different way. He says that perhaps it was all a big misunderstanding. He also said that the controversial comments are probably there to make the book more attractive and perhaps more lucrative. "Books are there to be sold, I read into that [comment] a bit more like that," he concluded.

Federer will start competing for his eighth Wimbledon crown on Monday, June 29th. He is seeded 2nd while Djokovic holds the top spot.

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