Boris Becker

Boris Becker is a German former professional tennis player, coach, and commentator. He is a former World No. 1, achieved in January 1991. As a doubles player, he reached World No. 6. He has won 6 singles Grand Slam titles and won the Tour Finals three times.

Player Profile and Personal Life

Boris Franz Becker was born on November 22, 1967, in Leimen, West Germany, to Elvira and Karl-Heinz Becker. His father, an architect, founded a tennis center in Leimen, where Boris learned the game. Raised Catholic and named after Russian poet Boris Pasternak.

He trained under Günther Bosch and later managed by Ion Țiriac. Standing 191 cm tall, Boris Franz Becker played right-handed with a one-handed backhand. Throughout his career, he earned more than US$25 million in prize money.

Becker’s personal life has been widely covered, including multiple marriages, children, and residences in Munich, Monaco, Schwyz, Wimbledon, and Miami. He has faced legal and financial challenges, including tax evasion and bankruptcy proceedings.

Junior Career

Becker’s junior years were marked by quick progress through the German national system, winning the South German championship and the first German Youth Tennis Tournament. He was selected for the German Tennis Federation’s top junior team and began competing internationally, setting the stage for his professional breakthrough.

Career

Becker turned professional in 1984 and stunned the tennis world by winning Wimbledon in 1985 as an unseeded 17-year-old—the youngest and first German male to claim the title. He successfully defended his Wimbledon crown in 1986 and went on to win a total of three Wimbledon singles titles (1985, 1986, 1989), two Australian Opens (1991, 1996), and the US Open (1989).

He reached the semifinals of the French Open three times.

Boris Becker’s game was defined by a powerful serve, aggressive all-court play, and exceptional athleticism, earning him the nickname "Boom Boom." He was a fixture in the world’s top 10 for over a decade, achieving a career-high singles ranking of world No. 1 in 1991.

Becker won 49 ATP singles titles and 15 doubles titles, including 13 Masters titles, three year-end championships, and the 1992 Olympic gold medal in men’s doubles with Michael Stich.

A leader in team competitions, Becker guided Germany to Davis Cup victories in 1988 and 1989, compiling a singles record of 38–3 in the competition. He also won the Hopman Cup in 1995.

After retiring in 1999, Boris Becker became a sought-after coach, most notably guiding Novak Djokovic from 2013 to 2016, helping Djokovic to multiple Grand Slam titles and a Career Grand Slam. He later coached Holger Rune (2023–2024).

Boris Becker’s post-playing career included media work as a commentator and ventures in business and poker. His personal life has been marked by publicized relationships, legal battles, and financial difficulties, including tax evasion and bankruptcy, for which he served time in prison before being released and deported to Germany in 2022.

Career Record

Singles

• Career Titles: 49
• Highest Singles Ranking: No. 1 (January 28, 1991)
• Career Record: 713–214 (76.9%)

Best Grand Slam Singles Performances

• Australian Open – Winner (1991, 1996)
• French Open – Semifinals (1987, 1989, 1991)
• Wimbledon – Winner (1985, 1986, 1989)
• US Open – Winner (1989)

Other Tournaments

• Tour Finals – Winner (1988, 1992, 1995)
• Grand Slam Cup – Winner (1996)
• WCT Finals – Winner (1988)
• Olympic Games – 3rd Round (1992)
• Davis Cup – Winner (1988, 1989)
• Hopman Cup – Winner (1995)

Doubles

• Career Titles: 15
• Highest Doubles Ranking: No. 6 (September 22, 1986)
• Career Record: 254–136 (65.1%)

Best Grand Slam Doubles Performances

• Australian Open – Quarterfinals (1985)
• Olympic Games – Gold Medal (1992, Men’s Doubles)