Boris Becker in Hamburg - "The most important thing is always matches"
The relationship between Boris Becker and the Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg is very special. Intense, emotional, passionate - and constant.
by PM
last edit: Sep 23, 2020, 08:03 am
“I always come to Hamburg with a smile,” said Boris Becker and then rummaged through his memories: “I think I was here for the first time in 1984.” He was. As a 16-year-old Leimener, he first hit the Rothenbaum, a year before his Wimbledon triumph.
Numerous unsuccessful attempts as a player to win the tournament followed, a 1990 final defeat against Juan Aguilera, a legendary semi-final defeat against Michael Stich in 1991 "to kneel down". Then his time as chairman from 2002 to 2006, which also helped save the tournament. In addition, various exciting private experiences and friendships. On Tuesday he was there again as “Head of Mens' Tennis” of the German Tennis Association, looked at the German players and was happy about Dominik Koepfer and Yannick Hanfmann's victories: “The boys have a very good attitude, they are hard workers and live for their sport. "
Becker understands that the Hamburg-born Alexander Zverev does not serve at Rothenbaum after his final defeat at the US Open in New York against Dominic Thiem . “The end was brutal for him, very emotional,” the six-time Grand Slam champion knows, “you have to come down. And then in Germany a lot of media attention ... ”.
Becker - "We need a Grand Slam winner again"
It remains to be seen whether Zverev's decision to go to Paris for the French Open next week without match practice on the clay court was correct. Becker has his doubts: “It would have been ideal to play here. I think the most important thing for the players is always matches. ”As the person responsible for the male performance area in Germany, Becker particularly regrets that Zverev did not achieve a great triumph. The role model effect of such a title win for the youngsters cannot be underestimated: “We need a Grand Slam winner again,” he said.
In fact, he himself was the last German man in Australia in 1996 to achieve such a triumph, it was a sporting eternity ago. But back to the present: “Hamburg seized the opportunity,” he said, referring to the first-class field of participants at the Hamburg European Open this year. The date immediately before the French Open is just perfect. The tournament can use this chance for the future when the world is "normal" again and the tennis calendar is back as usual. “The players talk about it and remember how they are treated at tournaments”, knows the experienced Boris Becker, “the tournament officials will do everything to convince the players. That can be a bonus for the future. ”But nobody needs to convince Boris Becker of Hamburg:“ This is one of the few cities that have played an important role in my life, ”he said,“ I will always be happy to come back. "