His success would prove to be long standing too, as he finished his career with a remarkable 49 titles, including six Grand Slams putting him in the top 25 in history. He also enjoyed a successful career as a coach of world number one, Novak Djokovik between 2013 and 2016.
Boris' early success and subsequent fame may have weighed heavy on him later in his career, but he started in blistering fashion. The youngster would quickly build on his dramatic, record at Wimbledon, also becoming the youngest champion in the Cincinnati Open. In 1986, he defended his Wimbledon title, beating Ivan Lendl in straight sets. Later in 1987, John Mcenroe and Boris Becker would play out one of the longest and most intense matches in the history of tennis, in the Davis Cup. The spectacle lasted 6 hours and 22 minutes, with Boris emerging triumphant in the end.
In 1989 he won two Grand Slams, making him the ATP Player of the Year. 1991 saw Boris ranked number one in the world for the first time, spending 12 weeks at the top rank. He would go onto adopt a fierce rivalry with compatriot Michael Stich who beat him in the 1991 Wimbledon Final. In 1992 though, the German duo would team up to win a gold medal in the men's doubles at the Olympic Games in Barcelona.
His latter career proved less successful but still contained a number of highlights, including being the first male to appear in 7 Wimbledon finals, the 1996 Grand Slam Cup and the Hopman Cup. Known affectionately by fans as Boom Boom and Der Bomber due to his penchant for a fast serve and dynamic volley, Boris was always a fan favourite. He was also deeply passionate as a player, leading to several smashed rackets and on-court outbursts.
Since retiring his racket, Boris has been inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame as well as featured on the International Olympic Committee. He was ranked by Tennis Magazine as the 11th Best Male Player in the timeframe of 1965-2005. A feature of the media today, Boris has been a regular commentator on BBC's Wimbledon coverage, as well as appeared on British television on shows such as They Think It's All Over and Top Gear.
