World number one Novak Djokovic has denied claims of receiving illegal coaching during his matches but admitted Sunday that players do find a way to bend the rules to their advantage.
On the eve of his Wimbledon title defense, Djokovic was questioned over reported comments made by his coach Boris Becker, who suggested that he and the other backroom staff “have our ways” of signaling to the Serbian “to tell him it’s good or it’s bad.”
ATP rules specifically forbid communication “of any kind, audible or visible, between a player and a coach” but Djokovic was quick to defend himself against allegations of cheating.
“I don’t think that’s how you can call it,” he told gathered reporters.
“I mean, there are special ways of, I would say, communication. The way you look at each other, the way you ‘feel’ your box, and box ‘feels’ what you’re going through on the court. I think that’s something that just gives you that reassurance, gives you that confidence.
Djokovic, who opens on Centre Court Monday against Philipp Kohlschreiber, ridiculed the notion that Becker or any of his team could make overt signals to him.
“Well, I think with all the cameras pointed to him and to the box, I think you would already notice if he would just kind of go kick serve, slice, to do the backhand or forehand.”
But the 28-year-old Djokovic revealed that there were more subtle ways for coaches to get their message across.
“We can’t pretend like that’s not happening in tennis. Of course, there’s situations when it happens, and not just with the top players, with everybody. This is a very competitive sport. You’re alone on the court. Of course, there’s certain rules.
“But also there are times when, you know, the team of the player communicates with the player when he gets to go and take the towel in the corner, which is closer to the box, or, you know, different ways.
“I think it’s all fine as long as it’s not regular. I think it just depends.
“Also that’s up to the chair umpire or supervisor to decide if somebody’s breaking the rules or not. I think as long as it’s something that you can tolerate, let’s say, within the ways of communication, I think it’s fine,” he added.
Djokovic will go into the third grand slam of the season off the back of his shattering French Open final defeat to Stanislas Wawrinka and having not played an ATP grass court tournament in the buildup.
“I needed some time to just mentally recover, rest — more than physical rest, I needed that emotional, mental rest to recharge my batteries and get myself in a proper state of mind so I can start all over again,” he admitted.
But the top seed remains confident he can make a successful defense of his crown. “Right now I feel 100% prepared,” he said.
One man who will be missing from the lineup is Spain’s David Ferrer, after the eighth seed withdrew Sunday through an elbow injury.
Ferrer, 33, a potential opponent for both compatriot Rafael Nadal and home hope Andy Murray, was due to face Britain’s James Ward in the first round.
The former French Open finalist’s place will be taken by Italian Luca Vanni.
Meanwhile, women’s defending champion Petra Kvitova, has said he preparation “wasn’t perfect” after falling ill last week and missing the Eastbourne tournament, won by Belinda Bencic of Switzerland.
Kvitova, who opens Tuesday against Kiki Bertens of the Netherlands, admitted she was apprehensive ahead of the first match.
“I’m trying to find good form. I hope on Tuesday I will be ready 100% but of course I missed a few days of practice. The pressure, the nerves are going to be there for sure, doesn’t matter whether I was sick or not.
“Still, when I step on the court on Tuesday it will be the same feelings. It will be very tough and nervous.”
Top seed and hot favorite Serena Williams continues her quest for the grand slam with an opening match on Court One Monday against Russian Margarita Gasparyan.