Amidst the Financial Crisis, Boris Becker Pulls Out a Shocker to Ensure Sustainability of His Dream Project

German great and six-time Grand Slam winner Boris Becker has earned a huge name in the tennis world. Since his retirement, over two decades ago, he has tried to give back to the community in different ways. One of them was to build a tennis academy where young German players could practice and hone their skills. This project, however, has taken a backseat due to lack of sufficient funds for its planned construction. Boris has now come forward to help the cause with a heartfelt gesture.

Back in 2020, during the pandemic, the city council at Hochheim am Main in Germany greenlighted the project of building the Boris Becker International Tennis Academy. The German himself kicked off the construction of this project. It costs 22 million euros ($23,037,252), as reported by Coliseum in June 2020. “It is great that the plans were carried out despite the coronavirus menace. The project didn’t wobble, but there was no planning certainty. It is therefore a small miracle that we are here today despite the pandemic,” Boris said.

The first hall of the academy was opened in November 2021. But its construction has been at a standstill for a while now due to the lack of budget. The courts are there but the planned, extravagant hotels and player accommodations are not available yet. Considering the current situation, Boris Becker has made a decision to lessen the academy’s burden. But how?

For the unversed, the international academy uses the German player’s name for which he receives a monthly fee. As per the contract, he’s supposed to be paid timely for the academy to keep using his name. However, Boris Becker has decided to not use this money anymore. Simply put, he’s suspended the contract with the academy. His lawyer gave this crucial update, as reported by Blick on December 11. The former World No.1 wants to make sure the bills get paid regarding the project’s completion.

At the moment, the overall situation is not looking good for the academy. For more budget, there’s a need of new buyers and investors who will put money into the project. “We are currently checking and planning with all partners which parts of the original construction concept are still future-proof, i.e. affordable, and where adjustments may have to be made,” reported Blick.

Coming back to the German legend, he may prepare for a new role soon as the coach of Alexander Zverev. However, the latter has one major condition for Becker!

Alexander Zverev reveals his condition for a partnership with Boris Becker

Back in 2017, Sasha Zverev had expressed his wish for the German tennis icon to be his coach. “Boris could definitely help me to improve my game. But if I want to work with him, first I have to win some tournaments because at the moment I cannot afford it,” he said. In the last seven years, Zverev has earned 23 titles. Plus, he’s now jumped to the No.2 spot in the ATP rankings. Not to mention his impressive earnings ($47,543,924). In simple words, now he can definitely afford to have Boris as his coach.

During an interview with MAGAZIN, Zverev revealed he’s still looking for the “right person” to be his coach. But can Boris be his next coach? Answering this question, the 2018 ATP Finals winner said, “I love Boris, and I also believe that he has incredible knowledge of tennis.” However, he’s not sure of Becker staying with him during tours. “I don’t know how he travels. That’s the only question mark. As soon as he has solved that and clarified it, we can talk about it. We are always in contact with him and talk to each other often. Now for Australia, it will stay as it is and then I’ll see.” In short, if Boris can make a full-time traveling commitment to Zverev, things can move forward.

Until then, Zverev will continue to travel with his parents. On tours, they accompany him as part of his team. The pack will be seen during the upcoming Australian Open as well. After that, it will be intriguing to see whether Zverev will try to associate with Boris. Do you think their partnership will prove effective if it materalises at all? Let us know in the comments below.