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Cape Town - Novak Djokovic's coach Boris Becker is backing the former world number one to bounce back from a disappointing end to the season.
Djokovic lost the first ATP World Tour Finals series title for the first time in four years when Andy Murray defeated him in straight sets on Sunday in London.
It was a sting in the tail of a rough few months for the Serb, who had also recently relinquished his world number one ranking a few weeks back.
But Becker, who has coached Djokovic to six grand slam titles in the past three years, believes this recent hardship could be used as a catalyst for motivation.
"This could potentially be a turnaround for Novak Djokovic's 2017," Becker told CNN.
"As much as this loss is going to hurt him, it's probably going to inspire him to be re-motivated, re-energized for next year. Maybe it was a good thing in the end."
Djokovic looked unstoppable after claiming the first two slams of the year, which bracketed back-to-back wins in Miami and Indian Wells. But following that crucial French Open win - which saw him earn a career grand slam - motivation has been an issue.
"The first six months were outstanding," continued Becker.
"His pinnacle was winning the French Open and winning four majors in a row. It hasn't been done since 1969 by a player called Rod Laver.
"Naturally, his motivation was a bit off afterwards. He really didn't know what the next big goal would be.
"Our hands [the coaching staff] were a little bit tied. He was focusing on off-court priorities, he wanted to spend more time with his family, he has other business interests."
Djokovic will look to defend his Australian Open title in January 2017 in Melbourne at an event he has won the last five years.
