The 1985 Wimbledon Upset
During the 1985 Wimbledon tournament, Boris Becker found himself in a precarious situation. Trailing Tim Mayotte two sets to one in the fourth round, he suffered a serious ankle injury on the grass. The 17-year-old German, who had captivated fans, was no stranger to ankle problems.
Struggling to Continue
As Becker attempted to stand, he faced considerable difficulty walking. He had barely escaped a challenging five-set match against Joakim Nyström in the previous round, and fatigue was visibly taking its toll. Limping towards the net, he extended his hand, signaling the end of his match.
Intervention from Ion Țiriac
Unbeknownst to Becker, Mayotte was oblivious to the unfolding drama, focused instead on his pre-serve routine. Ion Țiriac, Becker’s manager, was audibly distressed from the sidelines, insisting on intervention. “I yelled and screamed and told Bosch to approach the court,” Țiriac later recounted, demanding that a doctor be called instead of ending the match.
A Turning Point
Mayotte was puzzled as trainers maneuvered through the crowd to reach the court. The delay and subsequent treatment revived Becker, allowing him to extend the set into a tiebreak, which he ultimately won, followed by dominating the fifth set.
Becker’s Historic Win
Becker’s incredible comeback propelled him through the tournament, leading him to become the youngest Wimbledon champion in history. His performance was a mesmerizing mix of power and skill, and little did anyone know how complex his life would become in the coming decades.
From Triumph to Turmoil
Years later, Becker would face immense challenges, including various lawsuits, two highly publicized divorces, bankruptcy issues, and a tax evasion conviction in Germany. A subsequent conviction in 2022 for concealing assets during bankruptcy proceedings resulted in a prison sentence and eventual deportation back to Germany.
A Complicated Legacy
Now, as he reflects on his life, Becker recognizes the lessons learned from his experiences. On the anniversary of his monumental Wimbledon victory, he remains absent from the tournament, overshadowed by both his past triumphs and current struggles. While Wimbledon celebrated other champions, Becker’s honorary status with the All England Club remains uncertain as he navigates his complicated legacy.
