Boris Becker Honored with Hall of Fame ring in Monte-Carlo
In recognition of his outstanding career accomplishments as a world No. 1, six-time Major Champion, Olympic Gold Medalist, and Davis Cup Champion, Germany’s Boris Becker received tennis’ ultimate honor in 2003 when he was inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame.
"It was a big deal. I'm a sports fanatic, and the hall of fames for sport are very important. It was a very important day of my life," Becker recollected with regard to this 2003 induction in Newport, while speaking to media at the 2018 Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters.
In a special ceremony on center court at the tournament this honor was celebrated once again when Becker was presented with his official Hall of Fame ring. The venue was a particularly special one for Becker, who previously maintained a residence in the area and considers Monte-Carlo a "home away from home." During his playing career, Becker was a 3-time finalist at the storied tournament.
The community in Monte-Carlo came out to celebrate Becker with great zeal. The ring was presented before a packed stadium of fans by Madame la Baronne Elisabeth-Ann de Massy, a member of the Monaco Royal Family. Additionally, His Serene Highness Prince Albert II of Monaco took part in the festivities, offering his congratulations to Becker as well.
"This has been a very moving day. When I was a little boy, I never dreamt of becoming the world No. 1 or an Olympic champion. To be honored by my peers, former world champions themselves, as a member of the Hall of Fame, I'm truly honored," remarked Becker during the celebration. "Tennis is my life, and to receive this very honorable award is very important to me. This beautiful ring is really the icing on the cake."
The Hall of Fame rings are one-of-a-kind pieces that are presented to Hall of Famers at tennis events around the world. The ring celebrations provide an opportunity for tennis' greatest champions to be celebrated to commemorate their elite recognition as being among the sport’s greatest champions and leaders.
"Boom Boom Becker”, as he was known thanks to his powerful serve and explosive game, burst onto the global tennis scene as a teenager, quickly challenging some of the world’s most accomplished players. At Wimbledon in 1985, he became the youngest male major champion in history at age 17 years, 7 months (a record later broken by Michael Chang at the 1989 French Open), defeating American Kevin Curren, 6-3, 6-7, 7-6, 6-4. Becker arrived at Wimbledon ranked No. 20 by the ATP, but was unseeded (only the top 16 players drew seeds), thus becoming the first unseeded champion in history and perhaps most importantly, the first ever German men’s titlist.
Becker would win six major singles titles in a 16-year career that earned him 49 championships. He personally recounts his second Wimbledon title in 1986 as a career highlight, proving that he had staying power when he clinched a second major title with a straight sets upset victory over No. 1 seed Ivan Lendl, 6-4, 6-3, 7-5. He would go on to win a third Wimbledon title in 1989, as well as one US Open title and two Australians for a total of 6 major titles during his career.
A superstar celebrity in his native Germany, Becker represented his country well in international competition. At the 1992 Barcelona Games he partnered with compatriot Michael Stich to win the Olympic Gold Medal in doubles. He was a long-standing and dedicated Davis Cupper, leading the Germans to back-to-back championships in 1988 and 1989.
Becker was ranked in the world Top Ten 11 times in 16 years, reaching the world No. 1 ranking in 1991. Becker’s lengthy career came to a close in 1998. When his game began to slip, he knew the time was right to move onto other facets of his life. In 2003, Becker put his career and expectations in perspective, saying, “One thing I know is that the world will not allow me to just play tennis. It will not allow me to be No. 15 in the world. So I do it right or I don’t do it at all.”
Reflecting on his Hall of Fame career this week in Monte-Carlo, Becker commented, "It's a big honor. If you're a tennis player and you start young, you have big dreams. My life in tennis has been a dream, and I'm very honored to be in the Hall of Fame and to recieve this beautiful ring."
