Boris Becker: From Young Wimbledon Champion to Controversial Figure
Tale of Boris Becker, Champion at Wimbledon Four Decades Ago: Insights into His Life - Forty years ago, he clinched victory at Wimbledon.
By Julia Maurer
In 1985, teen sensation Boris Becker made history at Wimbledon, becoming Germany's first champion and the youngest to ever claim the title at just 17 years old. His on-court antics, famously known as the "Becker Fist" and the "Becker Dive," ignited a significant tennis craze in his home country.
Becker's retirement came in 1999, triggering a shift in focus towards his personal life. Headlines ensued after his divorce from Barbara, with various relationships grabbing attention. However, Becker's professional ventures didn't always run smoothly. The mid-2000s saw legal trouble, culminating in imprisonment in 2022 for insolvency offenses. Currently, Becker, 57, is married for the third time, residing in Milan with his wife, Lilian de Carvalho Monteiro.
Tennis Legend's Battles
As of mid-2025, Becker's love for tennis hasn't wavered. He has returned to television commentary, contributing to French Open broadcasts on TNT Sports. Yet, a significant hurdle arises as neither the BBC nor TNT Sports have included him in their Wimbledon 2025 coverage, due to his recent legal problems and the UK travel restrictions they've triggered[1]. The aspiration to attend Wimbledon again has been largely optimistic, with Becker working diligently to seek necessary permits for re-entry[1].
Beyond his commentary work, Becker is gearing up for the release of a book in September 2025, offering a raw depiction of his prison experiences[1]. The tennis world continues to feel Becker's support, as he publicly champions current German player Alexander Zverev, egging him on towards world number one status and Grand Slam titles[2][3]. Becker's tenacity towards preserving his tennis legacy is evident, as he expresses frustration over the diminished recognition of his grass-court triumphs[5].
Legal Setbacks and Comebacks
The year 2022 proved to be a challenging time for Becker, as he faced imprisonment. Intricate details of his conviction are not detailed in the search results, but it's clear that his prison sentence restricts his ability to enter the UK and participate in Wimbledon and related events[1]. Post-release, Becker has continued working in media but has faced employment barriers due to his legal history[1].
Legacy in the Present: A Battleground for Recognition
Becker's three Wimbledon titles (1985, 1986, 1989) and four Queen's Club championships stand as significant records in tennis history. However, contemporary discussions often overlook these accomplishments. Becker remains vocal about his historical contributions, expressing disappointment over the neglect of his grass-court successes[5].
Embracing Change: From Court to Commentary
Despite the challenges, Becker persists in his love for tennis. As he adapts to a new role as a commentator, Becker's legacy continues to inspire, and hisreshaped story serves as a reminder of the highs and pitfalls that come with fame and success.
Sources:
- Tennis World USA: Becker and British Tennis Fallout
- ESPN: Boris Becker backs Zverev to win French Open
- BBC: Boris Becker backs Zverev to challenge for Grand Slam titles
- La Repubblica: Boris Becker: "Becca touto prendrà le mensurations" (Italian)
- The Guardian: Boris Becker 'disappointed' by neglect of his grass-court records
I'm not going to be a big fan of this Wimbledon 2025 coverage, as both BBC and TNT Sports have chosen not to include Boris Becker due to his recent legal problems and the associated travel restrictions. Despite this, Boris Becker's tenacity remains evident as he works diligently to seek necessary permits for re-entry, hoping to attend Wimbledon again.
