Credited from: DAWN
Boris Becker, a six-time Grand Slam champion, has expressed regret over winning Wimbledon at the tender age of 17, revealing that the victory brought an overwhelming level of scrutiny and pressure. The young German made history in 1985 by defeating Kevin Curren, becoming the youngest men's singles champion at Wimbledon. Reflecting on his journey, Becker notes, "Whatever you do, wherever you go, whoever you talk to, it becomes a world sensation," illustrating the burdens that accompanied his rapid rise to fame, according to BBC, IndiaTimes, and Dawn.
He went on to win two additional Wimbledon titles and three other Grand Slams, but the pressures of being a public figure weighed heavily on him. Becker stated, "When you start a second career everything is measured at this success of winning Wimbledon at 17. And that changed the road ahead tremendously," further emphasizing how his early success shifted his life's trajectory, as reported by BBC and IndiaTimes.
Becker's life post-tennis has been marked by significant challenges, including personal issues and a prison sentence for financial crimes, serving eight months for hiding $3.3 million in assets. He observed, "I was too comfortable. I had too much money. Nobody told me ‘no’. Everything was possible. In hindsight, that’s the recipe for disaster," reflecting on the implications of early fame and fortune. This candid perspective highlights his journey of self-accountability, which he underscores by saying, "You cannot change the past. You can only change the future," according to BBC, IndiaTimes, and Dawn.