Boris Becker, a tennis legend hailing from Germany, left an indelible mark on the sport with his explosive playing style and remarkable achievements. His career highlights include multiple Grand Slam triumphs, becoming the youngest Wimbledon champion in history, and holding the world No. 1 ranking. He is also featured on Tennis magazine’s list of 40 greatest players of all time.
History
Born on November 22, 1967, in Leimen, West Germany, Becker’s tennis journey began at a young age. Coached by Gunther Bosch and gaining early recognition for his powerful serve and net game, Becker burst onto the international scene as a teenage sensation.
Best Known For
Becker was best known for his aggressive and fearless playing style, charging the net and dominating opponents with his imposing presence on the court. His towering serves and volleying skills earned him the nickname “Boom Boom” Becker, a moniker that epitomised his thunderous serves. And not to mention, his diving acrobatics on the court (hard courts included) are absolutely legendary. Considering he had both hips replaced at the age of 46, it doesn’t seem like the technique is highly recommendable.
Greatest Player Rivalries
Throughout his illustrious career, Becker engaged in thrilling rivalries with other tennis greats. Notably, his battles with fellow legends Stefan Edberg, Ivan Lendl, and Andre Agassi enthralled fans worldwide, showcasing the level of competition during that era.
Career Span
Boris Becker turned pro in 1984 and enjoyed a successful career that spanned over two decades. He officially retired from professional tennis in 1999, culminating a remarkable journey of 15 years at the top echelons of the sport.
Sponsors During Career
During his career, Becker was associated with prestigious sponsors, including sportswear brands Puma and Lotto, and later, sportswear company Ellesse. He also had endorsements with Mercedes-Benz, and his association with these brands, among others, added to his global appeal.
Rackets Used
Becker was renowned for his affiliation with Puma, and he famously wielded the blue and red PCS (Power Control System) Boris Becker Super racket, which helped put Puma, not a typical tennis brand, on the map at that time. These rackets were made of graphite & fiberglass (50/50), which perfectly complemented his powerful playing style and contributed to his success on the court. Early in his career he was endorsed by Dunlop as well as Adidas but these partnerships were short lived. The 1995 Limited Edition Puma Boris Becker World Championship racket, celebrating his win in Frankfurt that year, is very rare (only 3.100 rackets produced) and highly coveted by collectors, Becker fans and retro tennis enthusiasts alike.
Life After Tennis
Post-retirement, Boris Becker continued his connection with the sport, taking on roles as a coach, commentator, and mentor to young players. His contributions to the sport and the impact he made on and off the court solidify his place as a tennis icon and an inspiring figure for generations to come.
Boris Becker had a run-in with the law due to tax issues and served time for it in England late 2022/early 2023 but was released after only eight months, less than one third of his original sentence. He continues to be involved in the world of professional tennis and is still a popular tennis personality.
I’m not a god, I make mistakes.
Boris Becker
