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Australian Open: Novak Djokovic aiming for fourth consecutive title

Melbourne, Australia: It was a sweet deal. After answering an assortment of questions about his coach and his prospects for winning a fourth consecutive Australian Open title, Novak Djokovic halted his pre-tournament news conference and


Much of the attention on the men leading up to the first major of the season has centered on the comeback of some past greats as coaches for leading active players. Djokovic hired Boris Becker last month but still hasn't had a hit with the six-time Grand Slam winner, and Roger Federer has recruited Stefan Edberg.

Djokovic denied his decision was influenced by Andy Murray's success since teaming up with Ivan Lendl, a partnership that helped deliver Britain its first men's major championships since 1936. He decided it was time for a chance when long-time coach Marian Vijda couldn't commit to being on tour all year.

Djokovic is on a 24-match winning streak since losing the U.S. Open final to Rafael Nadal, and concedes that any tampering with the support network is "a potential risk."

"But I don't want to think from that perspective. I'm excited about this partnership that I have with Boris," he said. "All I see is positive results."