In a riveting conversation with Virgin Radio UK, the legendary Boris Becker, a six-time Grand Slam champion, unleashed a torrent of emotions as he recounted his initial reactions to the arrival of Andre Agassi on the ATP circuit. Becker, who burst onto the scene in 1985 as a rising star, expressed a mix of admiration and resentment towards the flamboyant figure that Agassi had become.
“When I first arrived on the scene in 1985, I was considered the new superstar, and I loved it,” Becker recalled, reflecting on his early days of fame. His pride, however, was soon challenged by Agassi’s dramatic entrance into the tennis world in the early ’90s, complete with his signature long, colorful hair and a rebellious Las Vegas attitude. Becker candidly admitted, “I thought he was a clown, but he stole all the publicity, all the attention.”
The competition heated up quickly, and Becker’s frustrations only deepened as Agassi proved to be not just a showman but also a formidable competitor. “To make matters worse, he was a really good tennis player,” Becker continued, revealing the bitter truth that Agassi’s success on the court was eclipsing his own. “Then he started beating me and took away all the status I had, so I was seriously very angry. I didn’t like it.”
The legendary German tennis player didn’t hold back when he admitted that both Agassi and Pete Sampras were simply “better” than him. This stark realization marked a pivotal moment in Becker’s career, prompting him to contemplate retirement. “There were these two Americans who were better than me, and you know, I always played tennis to win,” he stated emphatically, underscoring his relentless ambition. “I always played tennis to win Wimbledon and be number one. I didn’t want to play just to be part of it or to be happy with a semifinal. But when Agassi and Sampras arrived, it was clear they were stronger than me. That’s why I started thinking about retiring, even though I was still a rather young player. I couldn’t beat them on their best days, not even when I was at my best.”
Becker’s candid reflections not only reveal the fierce competitive spirit that defined his career but also shine a light on the evolving landscape of tennis during his time. The emergence of Agassi and Sampras transformed the sport, raising the bar and challenging established legends like Becker to confront their limits. As tennis fans, we are reminded that the game is not just about individual glory but also about navigating the unpredictable currents of competition and change.
