Boris Becker: The Distinguished Ex-Champ, Now Back on Court...Kinda
Tales of four decades past reveal Boris Becker, former tennis champion, triumphing at Wimbledon and shaping his life ever since. - Aged forty years, he secured victory at Wimbledon.
By Julia Maurer
Remember Boris Becker, the kid who won Wimbledon back in 1985 at an age that should've been conscripted for national service? Well, he's been making headlines again, but this time it's not about smashing tennis balls.
At 17, Becker, hailing from Leimen, became the first German to lay claim to Wimbledon's hallowed grass, a record that not only stands but echoes like a proclamation of his enduring legacy. Since then, he added two more titles to his tally, intertwining his name with the "Holy Grass" of Wimbledon forever. His signature moves, the "Becker Fist" and "Becker Dive," are still etched in our minds, igniting a tennismania across Germany.
Fast forward to today, post his 2022 imprisonment for bankruptcy offenses, Becker is trying to rebound. He's dipped his toes back into broadcasting, commentating at the 2025 French Open for TNT Sports. However, as Wimbledon 2025 looms, prominent broadcasters like the BBC and TNT Sports have snubbed him, signaling a rough return for the former champion to the tennis media scene. His bid to return to the UK since October 2024 under specific Home Office conditions remains ungranted, casting doubts on his appearance at this year's Wimbledon.
Despite these setbacks, Becker has found solace beyond the courts, supporting the rise of German star Alexander Zverev. He remains hopeful that Zverev will ascend to world number one and clinch a Grand Slam title, maintaining that his criticisms are borne out of encouragement and faith in Zverev's potential.
But Becker hasn't let public disrespect towards his historical achievements, particularly in grass court tennis, slide. He's been vocal on social media, critiquing lists and discussions that highlight modern players' feats while seemingly ignoring his own remarkable records, like his three Wimbledon wins and four Queen’s Club titles. This controversy points to an ongoing debate in the tennis world about how history and player legacies are honored.
In September 2025, Becker will release a book detailing his prison experience, offering a glimpse into this trying chapter of his life and perhaps pouring a fresh perspective on public perceptions. His post-prison life is marked by complexity, with both setbacks and resilience. While the road ahead is uncertain, the spirit of Boris Becker, embedded in our tennis memories, continues to shine bright.
Additional Photos
- Boris Becker
- Wimbledon
- Tennis
I'm not going to be a big fan of this, but Boris Becker's broadcasting comeback at the 2025 French Open, despite being snubbed by prominent broadcasters like the BBC and TNT Sports, shows a determination that's reminiscent of his staunch tennis career. Despite his past achievements in grass court sports, like his three Wimbledon wins and four Queen’s Club titles, it seems like his remarkable records are being ignored in current discussions.
