Boris Becker Champions Sport for Good, Reflects on Tennis Evolution
Leimen, Germany – Tennis legend Boris Becker, 58, continues to be a passionate advocate for the power of sports, particularly its ability to positively impact disadvantaged communities. Becker, a six-time Grand Slam champion, emphasizes the enduring message of Nelson Mandela – that sport can change the world – through his involvement with the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation.
A Legacy of Laureus
Becker is one of the 42 founding members of the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation, established around 2000. He highlights the organization’s core belief: that sport transcends boundaries of religion, color, and politics, fostering unity, and understanding. The German Foundation, founded in 2001 in Stuttgart, supports numerous programs throughout Germany with the support of Academy Members including Franz Beckenbauer, Franz Klammer, and Katarina Witt. Laureus Germany currently supports nine sports projects for children and youths in Berlin, Bremen, Munich, Cologne and Stuttgart.
Looking at the Next Generation
Becker has observed the rise of young tennis stars Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner, urging patience and space for their development. He cautions against placing undue pressure on them to replicate the achievements of Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer, and Novak Djokovic. “We are on a long road and I wouldn’t like to put too much pressure on them. They are spectacular, but also very young. Let’s provide them space to develop,” Becker stated. He believes a full assessment of their potential will require another 15 years.
The Unpredictability of the Game
Acknowledging the dynamic nature of professional tennis, Becker points out that neither Alcaraz nor Sinner are “invincible.” He notes the shifting rankings between Alcaraz and Sinner, highlighting the inherent unpredictability of the sport. “No one is. We all have good and subpar moments. Now Carlos is number 1, but last year Jannik was. This happens in sport, it is very unpredictable, that is where its beauty lies,” he explained.
A Revolution in Tennis
Becker reflected on the evolution of the game, asserting that the intensity of play in his era was comparable to today’s standards. “I wouldn’t say that [the game is faster now]. When we were 25 years old we also hit the ball hard, and with a lot of speed. Everything evolves, of course, but I consider that each number 1 of their generation was strong enough. Sometimes we don’t have memory,” he commented.
Supporting German Talent
Becker expressed hope for his compatriot, Alexander Zverev, to win his first Grand Slam title. He believes Zverev possesses the talent to achieve this goal, emphasizing the importance of health and opportunity. “We hope that in the end he wins his first Grand Slam. It’s good enough to do. He has been in several finals, so I hope this year he stays healthy and has another chance.”
A Career of Achievements
Becker’s own illustrious career included 49 titles, six Grand Slam victories – Australian Open (1991, 1996), Wimbledon (1985, 1986, 1989), and US Open (1989) – and an Olympic gold medal in doubles with Michael Stich at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics. He considers the Olympic gold medal one of the most significant achievements of his career.
Coaching and the Modern Game
Becker also touched upon his experience as a coach, most notably with Novak Djokovic. He described the shift in focus from personal performance to player development. “It is a different job. As a player you think about yourself, but as a coach, you have to think about what the player has and how to grab advantage of it. You have to be old enough and experienced enough to be a good coach, you need intelligence, vision, maturity, and understanding life better than you do when you are a player.”