Boris Becker

Boris Franz Becker was born on November 22, 1967, in Leimen, West Germany. He grew up to become one of the greatest tennis players of his time, quickly rising through the ranks of junior tennis and turning professional at the young age of 17. His early achievements in tennis showed his immense potential and natural talent for the sport.

At just 17 years old, Boris Becker became the youngest unseeded player to win the Wimbledon Championships on July 7, 1985. His victory in the final against Kevin Curren marked the beginning of his stellar career, making him a household name and the first German to win the prestigious tournament. His powerful serves and charismatic presence on the court were widely lauded.

On November 22, 1985, Boris Becker capped off his breakthrough year by winning the Grand Prix Masters tournament. This victory confirmed his status as one of the leading players in the world. His playing style and successes continued to garner attention as he dominated the sport with his aggressive technique and strategic gameplay, transforming the way tennis was played at the time.

Boris Becker reached the pinnacle of his tennis career on January 28, 1991, when he was officially ranked World No. 1 in men's singles tennis. This achievement was a result of his consistent performance and victories in major tournaments. Becker held the position as the top-ranked player, symbolizing his dominance in the world of tennis and his significant contributions to the sport.

After an illustrious career that spanned over two decades, Boris Becker announced his retirement from professional tennis on June 25, 1999. Having won six Grand Slam singles titles and an Olympic gold medal, Becker left behind a legacy as one of the sport's greats. His influence on tennis, especially his serve-and-volley technique, continues to inspire future generations.

In April 2001, Boris Becker was charged with tax evasion in Germany. Accused of failing to pay taxes on income earned between 1991 and 1993, Becker faced significant legal troubles, with his public image taking a considerable hit. This incident was a serious legal challenge for Becker, who faced media scrutiny while trying to navigate through the allegations and ensuing trial.

On October 24, 2002, Boris Becker was convicted of tax evasion in Germany. He received a two-year suspended sentence and was ordered to pay a large fine. Becker's trial and conviction marked a significant personal and public setback following his retirement from professional tennis. Despite this, he continued to maintain a presence in the tennis world as a commentator and coach.

Boris Becker was inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame on October 15, 2012, in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the sport of tennis. Throughout his career, Becker won numerous tournaments and Grand Slam titles, helping to popularize tennis and inspire future generations of players worldwide. This honor celebrated his legacy in tennis history.

In December 2013, Boris Becker was appointed as the head coach of Serbian tennis player Novak Djokovic. Announced on December 18, this partnership marked a significant step in Becker's post-retirement career. Under his guidance, Djokovic achieved numerous victories and further cemented his status as one of the greatest tennis players of all time. This coaching role showcased Becker's deep understanding of tennis strategy.

On April 7, 2021, Boris Becker appeared in court to face charges related to his bankruptcy proceedings. He was accused of failing to disclose key financial information and assets. These legal struggles added to Becker's public difficulties post-retirement, as he worked to resolve his financial issues. The bankruptcy proceedings drew significant media attention and were closely followed due to Becker's high profile.