Boris Becker made Markus Lanz speechless with his openness. The ex-tennis professional described his prison and the consequences of early success.
Hamburg – Boris Becker gives a rare insight into the ups and depths of his life in an revealing interview with “Markus Lanz”. The former tennis star speaks openly about his time in prison and the price he paid for his early fame as a tennis wonder child. He was particularly surprised by Lanz with the statement that his Wimbledon victory came too early at the age of 17 and almost cost him his life.
Boris Becker tells of his detention in the infamous wallsworth prison, which he calls the “worst time” of his life. “The prison special is extremely dangerous. So you die in it,” said Becker and described the paralyzing fear and the loss of control over his own life. However, this experience mature: “At 57, I really grew up for the first time.”
Boris Becker speaks openly with Markus Lanz about his past and Wimbledon
In 1985 Becker was the youngest player ever won the Wimbledon Championships – a triumph that made him famous overnight. But Becker reflected that this success was not healthy for him. “I was a child prodigy – and child children are not getting old. I almost cost my life,” he confessed. Since this victory he has lost his freedom and privacy and often felt followed by his image.
Lanz was visibly surprised when Becker admitted that he preferred to win the Wimbledon victory at the age of 21. “Really?” Asked the moderator incredulously. Becker explained that early success pushed him into a role he had not chosen. “I didn’t choose that,” he said soberly.
Becker also spoke openly about his financial losses. He earned around 30 million euros in his career, but divorces and maintenance payments had devoured a significant part of it. “I wanted to keep my living standards at the top,” said Becker, which ultimately led to his financial misery.
Despite all the setbacks, Becker looks optimistically into the future. He hopes to be able to return to England one day to start a new chapter in his life. “I love London. I love Wimbledon. I miss that,” he said in conclusion. Becker seems determined to learn from his experiences and to take a fresh start. (hbr)
