Introduction to Boris Becker’s Book
Boris Becker arrived at the Delphi Film Palace in Berlin, dressed in a light linen suit and a black shirt, accompanied by his pregnant wife Lilian, son Noah, sister Sabine, and her daughters. The event was the presentation of his book, "Inside", which offers an insight into his life in a British prison. Becker’s tone varied between being an untouchable sports god and a miserable person in prison with hardened criminals.
A Scary Foreign World
The book takes the reader into a previously unknown world of life behind bars for Becker. He describes his lack of experience in such an environment and how he had no way to protect himself. The tennis court, which he knew so well, is described as a place of certainty, but in prison, there were no such certainties.
The First Wimbledon Title
Becker repeats that his first Wimbledon title in 1985, which he won at the age of 17, is partly responsible for his later problems. He says that his early success led to him being suddenly famous and feeling like he belonged to someone else. The German press, he claims, told him how to live and what to do. He also draws his later financial problems back to his early fame, stating that if he hadn’t won Wimbledon at 17, none of it would have happened.
Life in Prison
Becker describes how he spent his months in prison, surrounded by convicted drug dealers and murderers. He formed temporary alliances and even found friends. He also discovered the philosophy of stoicism during his time behind bars. He shares his thoughts on his rivalry with Andre Agassi, who he felt got more love from the crowd than he did.
Personal Responsibility
Becker does not take moral responsibility for his misconduct, neither in the book nor on stage. He claims that he had not explained assets for his insolvency administrator and used money from the bankruptcy estate for maintenance, rent, and other costs. He says that this can happen to anyone in his position.
A New Chapter
The book marks the conclusion of a troubling phase of Becker’s life. He is now married to Lilian de Carvalho Monteiro, and the couple is expecting a child. After completing his bankruptcy proceedings, Becker is deemed to be debt-free. It remains to be seen whether he can turn his life around permanently, especially when it comes to managing his finances.
Reflections on the Book
The book is a unique insight into Becker’s life, and his voice comes through clearly. The reader can almost hear him speaking as they read. The book is also a reflection of Becker’s naive hybris, as described by his son Noah. It is a story of a champion who couldn’t accept defeat and struggled to cope with the consequences of his actions.
Conclusion
The book "Inside" is a candid look at Becker’s life, from his early success to his later struggles. It is a story of a man who struggled to come to terms with his own limitations and the consequences of his actions. The book offers a unique insight into the life of a sports legend and serves as a reminder that even the most successful people can struggle with personal and financial problems.
