Boris Becker was an unseeded, unknown 17-year-old when he became the youngest player ever, the first unseeded player ever and the first German to win the men’s single title at the Wimbledon tennis tournament in 1985. Becker ultimately won six Grand Slam singles titles: three Wimbledon Championships, two Australian Opens and one US Open. Becker also won 13 Masters titles and an Olympic gold medal in doubles. Words & Photos by Mark Anning.
Boris Becker in 1987, left © Mark Anning, and at the Davis Cup in 2021, right courtesy Rakuten Davis Cup
Where is Boris Becker now?
On 2 May 2024, a UK High Court judge found that Boris Becker had done “all that he reasonably could do” to fulfil his financial obligations and officially ended Becker’s bankruptcy. Becker was declared bankrupt in June 2017, owing creditors almost £50m. The court was told he still owed about £42m. The judge said an “unresolved matter” was the location of some of Becker’s trophies that are missing. Boris Becker is now free from all legalities involved with left an indelible mark on the sport.
Boris Becker certainly faced his demons in prison. He was released on 16th December, 2022 after serving 231 days of a two and half year sentence relating to his bankruptcy. Becker is banned from visiting the UK for the next decade. Becker has returned to the tennis circuit, commentating for Eurosport and is active on the website formerly known as Twitter, X.
In the vibrant tapestry of tennis history, few names shine as brightly as Boris Becker. His meteoric rise from a teenage sensation to a tennis icon is a tale woven with talent, determination, and an unyielding passion for the game.
Early Days:
Boris Franz Becker was born on November 22, 1967, in Leimen, West Germany. His journey to tennis greatness began at an early age when his father introduced him to the sport. Becker’s natural talent and relentless work ethic quickly became evident as he honed his skills on the courts of his hometown.
The Wimbledon Triumph:
The tennis world stood in awe when, at the tender age of 17, Boris Becker stormed into Wimbledon in 1985 and captured the title, becoming the youngest Wimbledon champion in history. His powerful serve, aggressive playing style, and fearless demeanor on the court captivated audiences worldwide. Becker’s victory marked the dawn of a new era in tennis, and he became an overnight sensation.
Dominance and Rivalries:
Becker’s triumph at Wimbledon was just the beginning of a glittering career that saw him achieve numerous accolades, including six Grand Slam singles titles. His battles with rivals such as Stefan Edberg, Ivan Lendl, Pat Cash, and Andre Agassi are etched in the annals of tennis history, showcasing the intensity and competitiveness that defined his era.
Beyond the Court:
Off the court, Becker’s charisma and larger-than-life personality endeared him to fans across the globe. His flair for the dramatic and penchant for living life to the fullest made him a tabloid favorite, but it was his unwavering dedication to his craft that truly defined him. Despite facing personal and professional challenges, Becker remained steadfast in his commitment to tennis and continued to inspire millions around the world.
Boris Becker’s impact on tennis transcends his on-court achievements. As a trailblazer for future generations of players, he paved the way for the globalization of the sport and helped popularize it in new markets. His influence can be seen in the modern game, where power and athleticism are prized just as much as finesse and technique.
Beyond his tennis prowess, Becker’s journey offers invaluable lessons in resilience, perseverance, and the pursuit of excellence. His ability to rise from adversity and bounce back from setbacks serves as a testament to the power of determination and self-belief.
Boris Becker’s legacy as one of tennis’s greatest champions is secure. From his groundbreaking triumphs on the court to his enduring impact off it, he remains a towering figure in the sport’s history. As we reflect on his remarkable journey, we are reminded that greatness knows no bounds and that with passion, dedication, and a relentless drive to succeed, anything is possible. Boris Becker’s story is not just about tennis; it’s about the human spirit’s capacity for greatness.
Life Lessons:
In April 2022, Boris was sentenced to two and a half years in prison on charges of hiding £2.5m worth of assets and loans to avoid paying debts, related to his 2017 bankruptcy over an unpaid loan of more than £3m on his luxury estate in Mallorca, Spain. At the time it was reported that Boris Becker will serve half his sentence on licence.
On sentencing, Judge Deborah Taylor said he had shown no remorse or acceptance of guilt. “While I accept your humiliation as part of the proceedings, there has been no humility,” she said.
Referring to Becker’s previous conviction for tax evasion in Germany in 2002, the judge told the former tennis star: “You did not heed the warning you were given and the chance you were given by the suspended sentence and that is a significant aggravating factor … You have… sought to distance yourself from your offending and your bankruptcy” the judge said.
Boris Becker was transferred to HM Prison Huntercombe, a low security level category C men’s prison located near Nuffield in Oxfordshire, England, used to detain non-UK citizens who are usually deported immediately after their release from prison.
The jury found Becker had failed to declare his share in a sprawling £1m property in his German hometown of Leimen, and hid a bank loan of almost £700,000 on that house, as well as shares in a technology firm valued at £66,000.
Becker had made £390,000 worth of payments from his business account to nine others, including those of his ex-wife Barbara and estranged wife Sharlely “Lilly” Becker. He was acquitted on 20 other charges, including nine counts of failing to hand over his tennis trophies and medals, including two from Wimbledon. In October 2022, Boris Becker was reportedly going to the jail’s gymnasium regularly, had lost weight and regained fitness.
Boris Becker is back commenting on the world tennis, and is prolific on Twitter …
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Great to see!
