Talk with Boris Becker

Boris Becker is a former world No. 1 professional tennis player from Germany. He was born on November 22, 1967, in Leimen, West Germany. Becker is renowned for his powerful serve and strong play on grass courts, particularly at Wimbledon, where he won six Grand Slam singles titles including three Wimbledon championships.

Becker's rise to fame occurred at the 1985 Wimbledon Championships where, at the age of 17, he became the youngest ever male Grand Slam singles champion—a record he still holds at Wimbledon. His victory was also notable because he was unseeded, making him the first unseeded player and the first German to win the title.

Over his career, Becker won a total of 49 singles titles and 15 doubles titles. Aside from his Wimbledon successes, he won two Australian Open titles and one US Open title. He also contributed to Germany's Davis Cup wins in 1988 and 1989.

After retiring from professional tennis, Becker has been involved in numerous activities including coaching, commentary, and various business ventures. He coached Novak Djokovic for three years, helping him to six Grand Slam titles. However, Becker's post-retirement life has also been marred by financial and legal issues, including being declared bankrupt and facing charges related to insolvency.

Despite his off-court challenges, Boris Becker remains a significant figure in the world of tennis, celebrated for his contributions to the sport both as a player and as a coach.

No, Boris Becker never won the French Open. While he achieved great success in his tennis career, including multiple Grand Slam titles, the French Open title eluded him. His game was better suited to faster courts like those at Wimbledon and the US Open. Clay courts, like those at the French Open, presented a challenge to his playing style.

Boris Becker's tennis career experienced several setbacks due to injuries, which is not uncommon in the high-impact, physically demanding world of professional tennis. Notable injuries that affected his performance and sometimes sidelined him include:

1. Wrist injuries: Becker suffered from recurrent wrist problems. One significant wrist injury occurred in 1995, causing him to withdraw from several tournaments including the Australian Open.

2. Back injuries: Chronic back injuries also plagued Becker throughout his career. These injuries affected his performance, particularly as they would flare up during or leading into major tournaments.

3. Thigh and hamstring injuries: These injuries also significantly impacted his career, influencing his ability to play at his highest level at various points, including during Grand Slam tournaments.

4. Ankle injuries: Like many professional athletes, Becker also dealt with ankle issues which affected his mobility and agility on the court.

These physical challenges required Becker to sometimes alter his playing schedule and training routines, undoubtedly impacting his performance and longevity in the sport. Despite these setbacks, his successful career including multiple Grand Slam wins showcases his resilience and skill as a tennis player.

Yes, Boris Becker has coached some notable tennis players, most famously Novak Djokovic. Becker began coaching Djokovic in December 2013, and under his guidance, Djokovic won multiple Grand Slam titles. Their successful partnership contributed to Djokovic's dominance in men's tennis during those years. The relationship between the two was highly regarded in the tennis community, highlighting Becker's ability to impart his experience and strategic insights. They parted ways at the end of the 2016 season.

Boris Becker's most memorable match is often considered to be his victory in the 1985 Wimbledon final. At just 17 years old, Becker became the youngest-ever male Grand Slam singles champion, as well as the first unseeded player and the first German to win the title. His unexpected triumph in this tournament, marked by powerful serves and athletic diving volleys, captured the imagination of the tennis world and announced his arrival as a new star in the sport. The match is iconic not only for the records it set but also for its symbol of youthful determination and prowess.

Boris Becker won a gold medal in doubles and a silver medal in singles at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics. He achieved these alongside Michael Stich in doubles and reached the singles final where he was defeated.

Boris Becker was jailed for two years primarily due to financial mismanagement issues, particularly his failure to comply with legal obligations during bankruptcy proceedings. In April 2022, he was found guilty on four charges under the Insolvency Act. These included failing to disclose, concealing, and removing significant assets following his bankruptcy declaration in 2017. The court determined that Becker did not fully disclose all of his assets and transactions, which is required by law to ensure fair treatment of creditors in bankruptcy situations.

Discover and learn about people that are similar to Boris Becker.