Not only Zverev hopes for Becker's return to the DTB
At the Davis Cup in Trier it became clear: Boris Becker 's word still carries weight in German tennis. But the DTB hesitates to involve the three-time Wimbledon winner again after his prison sentence.
by SID
last edit: Feb 06, 2023, 02:46 pm
Boris Becker wants, he left no doubt about that recently. "We can talk about what's possible with me in the future," he called to Dietloff von Arnim during the Australian Open in Melbourne via Eurosport.
The President of the German Tennis Association (DTB) did not answer - until today. The problem: Some of the more or less honorable DTB members do not see a worthy flagship for the largest tennis association in the world in a convicted tax evader.
Alexander Zverev sees it very differently. "You can always use Boris' help in tennis, whether as a player, coach, DTB or whatever," Germany's top player told the Bild newspaper: "He knows how to do it." Becker is extremely important "for tennis in Germany, and we will always accept the help. He will be welcomed with open arms." Not (yet) by everyone.
In Munich they can only smile wearily at the attitude of the DTB. Like Becker, Uli Hoeneß was also imprisoned for tax evasion, he returned after his prison sentence as President of FC Bayern and, as Honorary President, still has his regular place in the stands alongside CEO Oliver Kahn and his successor Herbert Hainer.
But in the DTB the clocks tick differently. As a "friend of the team" Becker was invited to the Davis Cup against Switzerland in Trier, but there were voices in the presidium that would have banished him to one of the back rows of seats. Last but not least, the fact that he was always with the team helped Zverev: After many discussions with Becker, the Olympic champion showed his best performance in the first individual against Stan Wawrinka since his serious foot injury in June 2022.
One of the biggest Becker advocates is DTB Vice President Dirk Hordorff. "Once he has served his sentence, there is nothing to prevent him from taking on a function again," Hordorff assured Sport Bild while Becker was still in England: "The doors at the DTB are always open to Boris Becker." Some of his presidency colleagues see things differently. A former president is said to have even written a letter expressing his displeasure with Becker's reintegration.
Everyone in Trier could see that Becker's word carries weight with the protagonists of German tennis. Intensive discussions with the players, with team captain Michael Kohlmann, with the supervisors - Becker was available everywhere and at any time. Tennis is and remains his core competence, as "Head of Men's Tennis" in the DTB he did a great job on a voluntary basis for almost four years.
Dietloff von Arnim is now challenged, Becker's direct address via Eurosport requires an answer. There will be talks, said the DTB President when asked by SID. It is important that the result is correct.