Novak Djokovic stressed from Tour

Djokovic was the world No 2 behind Rafael Nadal when he signed Becker as his coach before the 2014 Australian Open.

Uncertainty abounds, however, and Becker had to downplay rumours that complications in Djokovic’s marriage were behind his slump.

At the 2013 Australian Open, Djokovic was serving at 7-8, 30-40 against Stan Wawrinka.

Three seasons later, their union has ended but it was nothing short of a spectacular success until Djokovic racked the cue after this year’s French Open.

It was initially feared that Becker’s ambition to push Djokovic to explore uncharted areas of the court, namely the forecourt, would complicate the Serb’s push to be a long-term world No 1.

The gluten-free Djokovic won six majors with the gluten-only Becker in the grandstands before the German yesterday lifted the lid on the demise of the Australian Open champion since his triumph at Roland Garros.

Djokovic will again play only one tournament in Australia in January, the big one at Melbourne Park, where he’s the six-time champion.

US Open champion Wawrinka has ditched the Chennai Open to join a stacked men’s field in Brisbane alongside world No 3 Milos Raonic, women’s world No 1 Angelique Kerber and Bernard Tomic.

He started working with Djokovic before the Serb celebrated his French Open win this year by drawing a giant love heart on the court.

Djokovic’s mind coach believes in the powers of meditation and, um, lengthy hugs but according to Becker, what Djokovic really needs is a kick up the backside between now and his arrival at Tullamarine.