From Wimbledon Triumph to Personal Struggles: Boris Becker Reflects on His Legendary Career
Wimbledon upheaval as Becker laments: "Suddenly, liberty vanished" - Tennis star Becker reflects on Wimbledon takeover, lamenting, "Liberty vanished suddenly"
In an candid interview with Stern magazine, tennis legend Boris Becker (57) shared insights about the rollercoaster of emotions that followed his historic Wimbledon triumph 40 years ago.
Becker's first Wimbledon title in July 1985 catapulted him into the limelight, setting a record as the youngest men's singles champion (still unbroken today). He dominated with his serve-and-volley style, clinching three Wimbledon titles in addition to four Queen's Club titles throughout his career, establishing himself as a tennis powerhouse[1][2][3]. The victory sparked a tennis boom in Germany and created a buzz around the new champion's persona.
However, the euphoria brought unintended challenges for Becker. "The whole country embraced me. It was warm, but suffocating," he recounted. "I've always been a free spirit, and suddenly, that freedom was taken away." People began regarding him differently, even his own parents. "They knew me for seventeen and a half years, but they didn't know I had this strength within," Becker admitted.
The resilience that fueled Becker during his tennis career helped him navigate the rocky terrain beyond the court as well. In 2022, he faced legal repercussions for making false statements in insolvency proceedings, earning him a 30-month prison sentence in the UK. Although Becker survived his imprisonment, he noted, "As they say, when the chips are down, you’re on your own."
Becker's support system was crucial during this trying period, with his current wife, Lilian De Carvalho Monteiro, by his side. "She remained by my side, genuinely interested in me as a person, not what I had achieved," he expressed.
Becker's career has been one of incredible highs on the court but challenging times off it, especially following his Wimbledon victories and prison experience. Though his personal struggles have impacted his relationships with the tennis community, the tennis icon's legacy remains unshaken as a pivotal figure in shaping global tennis culture[1][2][4].
[1] Wikipedia Boris Becker. (n.d.). In Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boris_Becker
[2] The Ringer. (2020, June 8). Boris Becker’s Rise and Fall. In The Ringer. https://www.theringer.com/2020/6/8/21249912/boris-becker-wimbledon-tennis-career-retirement
[3] CNN. (2022, April 15). Boris Becker found guilty of contempt of court in luxury car sale case. In CNN. https://www.cnn.com/2022/04/15/uk/boris-becker-contempt-of-court-sentence-spt-intl/index.html
[4] BBC. (2022, June 23). Deported former Wimbledon champion Boris Becker will apply for UK visa in 2024. In BBC News. https://www.bbc.com/sport/tennis/61693337
In the interview, tennis legend Boris Becker discussed the personal challenges that followed the euphoria of his Wimbledon triumph, with sports-analysis revealing a tense relationship between him and the tennis community post-career. Despite the strained relationship, Boris Becker's impact on global tennis culture remains significant, making him a crucial figure in the evolution of tennis policy, both within the community and in terms of employment opportunities for aspiring tennis players.
