Pause, rewind, play: How Boris Becker made Wimbledon’s Centre Court his living room

Boris Becker turned professional at the age of 16 and became an overnight star just one year later on July 7, 1985, when he, as an unseeded teenager, defeated the South Africa’s Kevin Curren to win the Wimbledon men’s singles final. He became the youngest Grand Slam champion ever at 17 years and 227 days, and the first German to win the Championships.

The following year, he showed that it was not a fluke by beating Ivan Lendl to defend his title and he won it a third time in 1989 against Sweden’s Stefan Edberg. He also reached the final on four other occasions. The success led to him calling the All England Club’s Centre Court his “living room” and the stodgy crowds loved him for it.

Boris Becker at Wimbledon:

1984: Lost in third round to Bill Scanlon

1985: Defeated Kevin Curren to win title.

1986: Defeated Ivan Lendl to win title.

1987: Lost in second round to Peter Doohan.

1988: Lost final to Stefan Edberg.

1989: Defeated Stefan Edberg to win title.

1990: Lost final to Stefan Edberg.

1991: Lost final to Michael Stich.

1992: Lost in quarterfinals to Andre Agassi.

1993: Lost in semifinals to Pete Sampras.

1994: Lost in semifinals to Goran Ivanisevic.

1995: Lost final to Pete Sampras.

1996: Lost (retired) in third round to…

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