Boris Becker

[McEnroeisanartist]

What an interesting career! He has to be the best player to never finish a year ranked #1. Although, many would say he was in 1989.

I find it remarkable that for 11 consecutive years (1986-1996), Becker was at least as high as #4 at some point during the year. By comparison, Sampras had 10 consecutive years achieving this. Federer will equal 11 consecutive years in 2013.

[timnz]

I rate him above Edberg and Wilander. He had the same number of slams as Edberg, but on top of that he had a much better resume than Edberg at the major indoor championships - Masters Cup, WCT finals & Grand Slam Cup - and indoor tennis was very important in the 80's and 90's. He also won 13 Masters 1000 equivalents compared to 8 each for Edberg and Wilander.

[urban]

Boris' best matches probably came in Davis Cup vs. Edberg, Wilander, McEnroe and Agassi. In Germany, everybody remembers his Davis Cup wins alongside his first Wimbledon win in 1985. He was a bit like Hoad, when he was motivated and fit and eager for a special match, Boris on fast courts was one of the best alltime. His serve was devastating, his forehand a killer blow, his backhand cross return a whip, and although not stylish, his volleys were good enough. He was absolutely fearless, starred his opponents down before serve and put on enormous pressure. Only Lendl and later Sampras could live with him indoors, and Stich, when he was on, on grass.

[PrinceMoron]

Saw him play doubles against Lendl/Gomez in 1984.

Up against the world number one and two, he looked pretty comfortable. One close set and a tie break set. It was carpet - Lendl must have realised his chances of winning WO were disappearing.

[hoodjem]

Saw him play doubles (with Mike Leach?, maybe) at Wimbledon against Wilander and Nystrom in 1985.

Becker hit the ball so hard, the Swedes could not believe it. They kept mumbling (in English) "just wait him out, and soon he will be exhausted."

(Wilander and Nystrom won it in 1986.)

[TheCanadian]

He could've been GOAT. Unfortunately, he had a messy personal life and, well, he's not very bright.

[pc1]

Originally Posted by PrinceMoron

Saw him play doubles against Lendl/Gomez in 1984.

Up against the world number one and two, he looked pretty comfortable. One close set and a tie break set. It was carpet - Lendl must have realised his chances of winning WO were disappearing.

Originally Posted by hoodjem

Saw him play doubles (with Mike Leach?, maybe) at Wimbledon against Wilander and Nystrom in 1985.

Becker hit the ball so hard, the Swedes could not believe it. They kept mumbling (in English) "just wait him out, and soon he will be exhausted."

(Wilander and Nystrom won it in 1986.)

Funny you mention doubles with Becker. The most enjoyable doubles match I've seen in person was the Becker-Zivojinovic against Noah-Leconte match in the Grandstand at Flushing Meadow in 1985. My wife and I loved the stunning rallies. Believe it or not we both felt Becker was playing at the lowest level in that match although he was playing well. The Grandstand was packed. It was great doubles. Becker was already the Wimbledon champion. Four huge servers.

[Tennis Dunce]

He didn't have any profound weaknesses except maybe he was aloof on his volleys quite often...agree he wasn't the brightest kid to say the least. He was pretty classy on the court too...not too abusive with the ham & eggers. Can't put him above Edberg though.