Boris Becker announces return to tennis as coach of top-ranked player

Boris Becker has announced his new role as the coach of Danish tennis prodigy Holger Rune, the sixth-ranked player worldwide.

The legendary Becker, a three-time Wimbledon champion, recently served a two-and-a-half-year prison sentence starting in April 2022 for concealing £2.5 million in loans and assets to evade debt payments.

Becker’s conviction under the Insolvency Act primarily involved an unpaid loan linked to his luxury estate in Spain. Additionally, he had previously been convicted of tax evasion in Germany in 2002.

Following his early release from prison in December, Becker returned to Germany after being deported, as his license conditions prevent him from entering the UK until October 2024. Consequently, he will not be able to coach at next year’s Wimbledon tournament.

Between 2013 and 2016, Becker served as the coach of Novak Djokovic, during which time Djokovic captured six Grand Slam titles. As of now, Djokovic holds the record for the most major championships won (24).

During an episode of a German Eurosport podcast, the 55-year-old German Becker confirmed his new coaching position with Rune. The 20-year-old Danish player previously trained with Patrick Mouratoglou, Serena Williams’ former coach, and even reached the quarter-finals of Wimbledon.

However, Rune has faced difficulties in recent matches, managing just one victory out of his past nine games. Consequently, he approached Becker and requested his coaching services.

“I can confirm that I am Holger Rune’s coach,” Becker stated on Eurosport Germany’s podcast. “I feel a sense of pride that he asked me. We’ve had a connection for quite some time, and it’s truly a great fit.

“My schedule allows for it, and I’ve always been intrigued by Holger because he demonstrates tremendous dedication and passion on the tennis court.”

Becker further added, “Holger is a diamond in the rough who requires polishing. I appreciate his emotional outbursts. I’ve coached a player like Novak Djokovic before, who, at times, struggled to find himself on the court, and that’s perfectly acceptable.”