Life Mistakes Doubled: A Confession from Boris Becker
Title: 17-Year-Old Champion Unveils Regrets and Insights: Boris Becker on His Wimbledon Triumph and Life Since
Quick Facts:- Boris Becker is a 57-year-old retired German tennis legend who won his first Wimbledon title at the age of 17 in 1985.- His victory sparked a tennis craze in Germany and skyrocketed his fame, but Becker recalls it as a double-edged sword.- Despite his numerous triumphs, the tennis Hall of Famer has acknowledged his share of failures and regrets.
Feeling More Than Just Joy
Forty years ago, Boris Becker donned his iconic red shorts and clinched the Wimbledon trophy, with a career-defining victory that catapulted him to international fame. Looking back, the tennis icon admits it was an experience laden with both joy and an overwhelming sensation of being smothered by the country's embrace.
"The whole nation celebrated me," Becker told Stern magazine in an interview, adding that the euphoria of the moment was suffocating and overwhelming. An unassumingly freedom-loving individual, Becker found his newfound fame incredibly restricting.
From 17 to Legendar
At 17, Becker entertained hopes of living a life outside the public eye, but those dreams were dashed when he found himself under the spotlight. "People suddenly treated me differently. My parents, too, were suddenly asking: 'Son, what have you done? That was their reaction. They've known me for seventeen and a half years, but they didn't know I had that strength in me," Becker mused.
Lessons Learned
Becker’s professional journey was marked by countless triumphs, but the road to success wasn’t paved with roses. On the contrary, the player revealed that he had made his fair share of mistakes in dealing with his newfound fame.
Such mistakes were the key lessons that guided him through life. "I've always believed: If someone kicks me, I fight back. That's how it is," said Becker, who plans to apply the same mindset to survive "even if I'm dropped in the Vietnamese jungle."
Running with the Wrong Crowd
While Becker's life has been synonymous with success and glamour, he didn't escape it all unscathed. The tennis star opened up about the times he listened to the wrong people and allowed yes-men and parasites into his life, submitting to their unwise advice.
Despite his numerous failings and heated controversies, Becker emphasizes that he other than himself is accountable for those mistakes. "I've made double-faults in life," confessed the legend. "I won't shift the blame onto others. I paid the price for my decisions."
The Price of a Mistake
Who would've thought that success and glory could also be a stumbling block for Becker? Indeed, his prison sentence in London taught him valuable lessons, particularly the importance of having a rock-solid support system. "As they say, in a crisis, you're all alone," admitted Becker.
Despite the hardships, he maintains that the key to his survival is his unwavering resilience. "I survived as a prodigy. I've survived everything that came after... I have this characteristic: I survive," stated Becker, who revealed that he'd weather any storm, be it the Vietnamese jungle or a British prison.
A Love So Deep
Among the most significant people in Becker's life are his wife, Lilian de Carvalho Monteiro, and their unbreakable bond. The couple met during a challenging time in Becker's life, and their relationship developed over time to become his lifeline.
"This is my first equal partnership. Neither am I more important than the other. I need my wife, and I hope she needs me too," Becker added. For Becker, his wife's unwavering support during his darkest hours is one of her most remarkable qualities.
Taking a Break
If Becker were to offer advice to his younger self, what would he say? "I would advise the 25-year-old Boris to put down the tennis racket and take a break," Becker admitted, emphasizing the importance of discovering uncharted territories, even in the face of long-established success.
- "I'm not going to be a big fan of this sudden fame, just as I wouldn't advocate for it in the world of sports-analysis, entertainment, or even in the glamour of celebrity circles," Becker mused, reflecting on his life since winning Wimbledon at 17.
- "Fame can sometimes equate to being smothered, just like it did when the nation celebrated me as a tennis champion. It's a sensation I wouldn't wish upon anyone, even if I were discussing entertainment, tennis, or any other form of sports," Becker shared.
- "I made mistakes by listening to the wrong people and allowing dubious individuals into my life, just as a sports analyst might misjudge a player's strategy. These missteps taught me valuable lessons, and I wouldn't want that for anyone, whether they're celebrities, sports enthusiasts, or anyone else," Becker admitted.
