Boris Becker is a name that has become synonymous with the sport of tennis. He rose to fame as a teenage sensation and went on to become one of the greatest tennis players of all time. His life has been a rollercoaster of triumphs and challenges, both on and off the court. In this article, we’ll explore his net worth, who he is, his early life, professional life, personal life, achievements, and other aspects of his life, while also discussing his various sources of income.
| Full Name | Boris Franz Becker |
| Date of Birth | November 22, 1967 |
| Place of Birth | Leimen, West Germany |
| Nationality | German |
| Profession | Former Professional Tennis Player |
| Playing Style | Serve and Volley |
| Turned Pro | 1984 |
| Retired | 1999 |
| Grand Slam Titles | 6 (Wimbledon 3, US Open 1, Australian Open 2) |
| Olympic Gold Medal | 1992 (Doubles, with Michael Stich) |
| Total Career Titles | 49 Singles, 15 Doubles |
| World No. 1 Ranking | 1991 |
| Net Worth (2024) | $1 million USD |
| Marriages | Barbara Feltus (1993-2001), Lilly Kerssenberg (2009-2018) |
| Children | 4 (Noah, Elias, Anna, Amadeus) |
| Legal Troubles | Declared bankrupt in 2017 |
| Hall of Fame | Inducted in 2003 |
Who is Boris Becker?
Boris Becker is a former German tennis player who became famous for his incredible talent and powerful play on the tennis court. Born on November 22, 1967, in Leimen, West Germany, Becker was known for his aggressive playing style and remarkable skill in serving and volleying. He became a global sensation when he won the Wimbledon Championships at just 17 years old, becoming the youngest male player ever to win this prestigious tournament.
Boris Becker Net Worth
As of 2024, Boris Becker’s net worth is estimated to be around $1 million, but this figure fluctuates due to his financial issues. At the height of his career, he was believed to have earned over $150 million through prize money, endorsements, and business ventures. However, legal battles, financial mismanagement, and failed business ventures contributed to a significant reduction in his wealth.
| Year | Estimated Net Worth |
|---|---|
| 1985 | 2 million USD |
| 1990 | 15 million USD |
| 1995 | 35 million USD |
| 2000 | 40 million USD |
| 2005 | 30 million USD |
| 2010 | 20 million USD |
| 2015 | 10 million USD |
| 2020 | 2 million USD |
| 2024 | 1 million USD |
Sources of Income
Boris Becker’s wealth has come from multiple sources over the years:
- Tennis Prize Money: During his career, Becker earned more than $25 million in prize money from tennis tournaments. This made him one of the highest-earning tennis players of his time.
- Endorsements: Becker was a highly marketable athlete. He signed lucrative endorsement deals with companies such as Puma, Mercedes-Benz, and Rolex. These deals brought him millions of dollars in additional income.
- Television and Media: After retiring from tennis, Becker became a prominent tennis commentator, particularly with the BBC during Wimbledon. He also appeared on other television programs and sports-related media, adding to his income.
- Business Ventures: Over the years, Becker invested in various businesses, including a failed sports marketing company. Unfortunately, some of these investments didn’t turn out as expected, which contributed to his financial troubles.
- Autobiographies and Books: Becker has authored several books, including his autobiography “The Player”. These publications also added to his income, though they were not as financially impactful as his other ventures.
Early Life
Boris Franz Becker was born into a family that was deeply connected to sports. His father, Karl-Heinz Becker, was an architect and also founded a tennis center, which allowed young Boris to be introduced to tennis at an early age. His mother, Elvira Becker, was from the Czech Republic, and the family supported his passion for sports.
Growing up in Leimen, a small town near Heidelberg, Becker was a talented athlete from the beginning. By the age of eight, he had already started taking tennis seriously, practicing regularly at the Blau-Weiss Tennis Club in Leimen. His early tennis development was guided by Günther Bosch, a former Romanian tennis player and coach.
Professional Life
Becker’s professional tennis career is nothing short of extraordinary. He turned professional in 1984 and made an immediate impact on the sport. Here’s a detailed breakdown of his professional journey:
Rise to Fame
Becker burst onto the international tennis scene in 1985 when, at just 17 years old, he won the Wimbledon Championships. His victory was historic because it made him the youngest male champion at Wimbledon, and it was the first time an unseeded player had ever won the tournament. This achievement catapulted him to worldwide fame.
After his first Wimbledon win, Becker continued to dominate the tennis world. He successfully defended his Wimbledon title in 1986, making him one of the most exciting young players in the sport. His aggressive playing style, combined with his athleticism and speed, made him a crowd favorite.
Grand Slam Titles and Success
Boris Becker won a total of six Grand Slam singles titles during his career:
- Wimbledon (1985, 1986, 1989)
- US Open (1989)
- Australian Open (1991, 1996)
His success wasn’t limited to Grand Slam tournaments. Becker also won numerous other prestigious titles, including 13 Masters Series titles and three year-end championships.
Playing Style and Rivalries
Becker was known for his powerful serve, which earned him the nickname “Boom Boom Becker.” His style of play was perfect for the fast grass courts at Wimbledon, where his serve-and-volley game shone brightest. He developed rivalries with other great players of his era, such as Stefan Edberg, Ivan Lendl, and Andre Agassi. These matches drew huge audiences and are remembered as some of the most exciting in tennis history.
Personal Life
Boris Becker’s personal life has been as eventful as his professional career. He has faced a series of ups and downs in his relationships, finances, and legal matters.
Marriages and Children
Becker has been married twice. His first marriage was to Barbara Feltus, a German-American actress and designer, in 1993. The couple had two children, Noah Gabriel and Elias Balthasar. However, their marriage ended in divorce in 2001, with a much-publicized legal battle over custody and finances.
Becker’s second marriage was to Lilly Kerssenberg, a Dutch model, in 2009. They had a son, Amadeus Benedict Edley Luis Becker, born in 2010. Unfortunately, this marriage also ended in divorce in 2018.
Becker also has a daughter named Anna Ermakova from a brief affair with Angela Ermakova, a Russian model.
Financial Troubles and Legal Issues
Despite his tremendous success in tennis, Becker has faced serious financial problems. In 2017, he was declared bankrupt by a London court. Much of his financial trouble stemmed from unpaid debts related to various business ventures and investments that went wrong.
Becker has also been involved in several legal battles, including a highly publicized dispute over his bankruptcy, which involved the sale of his trophies and personal memorabilia to pay off debts.
Achievements
Boris Becker’s list of achievements is vast, and his contributions to tennis are immense. Here are some of his most notable accomplishments:
- Six Grand Slam titles, including three Wimbledon championships.
- Olympic gold medal in men’s doubles at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics (with Michael Stich).
- A total of 49 career singles titles and 15 doubles titles.
- World No. 1 ranking in 1991.
- Inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in 2003.
In addition to his playing achievements, Becker has also worked as a commentator for various television networks, including BBC, where he regularly provided expert analysis on tennis tournaments.
Boris Becker Today
After his financial troubles and legal issues, Boris Becker has been working to rebuild his life. Despite his past challenges, he remains a respected figure in the world of tennis, and his contributions to the sport are undeniable. He continues to work as a tennis commentator and has expressed interest in mentoring young tennis players.
Becker’s story is one of rise, fall, and resilience. He has faced difficulties that few other sports stars have encountered, but he remains a fighter both on and off the court. Today, Becker’s legacy as a tennis legend is secure, even as he works to overcome his financial troubles.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Boris Becker is a tennis icon whose career is filled with historic achievements and legendary matches. From his early life in Germany to his rise as a tennis prodigy and global superstar, Becker has experienced both success and challenges. His net worth, once estimated in the hundreds of millions, has diminished due to financial mismanagement, but his legacy in tennis remains intact.
His powerful serve, bold playing style, and ability to win under pressure made him a fan favorite. While his personal life and financial troubles have made headlines, Becker’s contributions to the sport and his influence on future generations of tennis players will never be forgotten.
