Nick’s Notes: What Bollettieri learned from coaching Boris Becker

WATCH: Unstrung: Remembering the late Nick Bollettieri

In memory of Nick Bollettieri, TENNIS.com proudly presents “Nick’s Notes,” an exclusive look at tips, tricks, and takes written by one of the greatest coaches of the modern era.

First up: Nick’s observations from coaching former world No. 1 Boris Becker:

When I first began coaching, I did not know too much about the game of tennis (I played in my college team at Spring Hill, Mobile, Alabama). This means that I had to learn quickly and digest it all as quickly as possible.

In the end, I learned as I gained experience. Most of what I learned was from my students.

When I first started coaching Boris Becker in the early to mid-90s, I just sat back or stood behind him several feet. I did this for several days and finally, “Mr. B” asked me if I could talk.

In a very polite way I said, “Yes, but when I do speak to you I better know what I am saying in a very simple way and then walk away.”

In 2016, Boris was interviewed by Showtime for a documentary on my life. Boris told them I was a genius because I saw the little things, gave him a very simple tip, and walked away!

Wow, at first I was simply scared to say anything at all. This is what I learned from Boris Becker:

1. Have a Plan: Be prepared and when you get on the court, forget everything else in the entire world and be ready to play the first ball.
2. When it’s time to play, you be ready to play.
3. When you step onto the court, there’s nothing else in the world, except for its 7,200 feet. You own every foot of that court!
4. Yes, you can have one or two big shots, but you must also develop the rest of your game. By doing this, you will be able to hit your big shots more often.

Lastly, Becker and I as a team never discussed court strategy until just before he walked onto the court. He would nod his head and ask me for one simple tip! He was fantastic not only as a player, but also as a very generous man!