Huxxy He's a smart guy, maybe not well-read or an academic, but he's one of those guys who had to go through a lot of things to become who he is. German press gave him a lot of shit which prevents him from being seen in an unbiased way - here he's known as that guy with all the ex-wives who plays poker for a living and that bastard child whom got conceived in a broom closet. Rarely he is remembered for his success in tennis and noticed for what a great guy he actually is. I always liked Boris for no particular reason, never even cared for tennis my entire life.
rippspeck Well, after watching this, he's the sort of guy I'd easily make friends with. For sure, one can't always know someone just from their public persona and press.
If you watch early (and hugely awkward) interviews, it's plain amazing how articulate and eloquent Boris has become throughout the years. He might have had some embarassing public moments in Germany, but nevertheless he remains IMHO one of the most likeable german public figures. Always friendly, always polite to people, always willing to discuss whatever comes to the table, most times with a smile.
Amazing Interview Boris is one of my Favorite All Time Players Along with Johnny Mac, Bjorn Borg, Jimmy Connors, Arthur Ashe, Andre Agassi, Pete Sampras, Rafa Nadal and Roger Federer on the Men's Side Chrissie, Martina, BJK, Steffi Graf and Serena on the Women's Side
Becker was my favorite player. I didn’t appreciate him like I should have, but he was a great tactician and thinker of the game. The fields were just deeper and tougher during his era. It’s one reason I still say Sampras is best. He demolished everyone in the 90s, when the competition was tougher. Federer has had easier fields and his top competitors Nadal and Djokovic beat him more often than not.
This was great. I remember a Becker vs. Edberg match @ Wimbledon. I thought Edberg was playing so well and yet Becker kept after it and eventually broke him. I gained a ton of respect for both players after that match. Boris gave us so many incredible battles. Borg, McEnroe, Becker and Lendl. They were my favorite players to watch back then. I think Borg retired too early. There were a few others that had grand moments: Yannick Noah was one, but few had the power and consistency of Becker.
I used to be a huge Becker fan, but now it's all Federer. To hear any former no. 1 not acknowledge Federer as the greatest tennis player of all time makes me lose a bit respect for him. Just for fun I was watching big matches with Becker, Lendl, McEnroe and compared to Federer. They honestly look like club players compared to him. Shaky serves - even for Boom Boom Becker, in between the big cannons, unstable groundshots, nowhere near the finesse that Federer had. Little bit of jealousy there, Boris?
