Becker is a founding member of Laureus, an international charity that harnesses the power of sport to help young people overcome the limitations imposed by social challenges such as poverty, homelessness, war, drug abuse and AIDS.
Left: Becker celebrates his first Wimbledon title
Centre: With Sir Bobby Charlton at the launch of the Laureus-sponsored Kick project in Berlin
Right: Shooting hoops at the opening game of Laureus’ Midnight Basketball initiative in South London
Noah – already a gifted DJ – entertained the guests at a recent fundraiser that netted €1.5m. Yet, for all his willingness to let them make their own way, Becker will not allow his children to become couch potatoes. “I do believe that a healthy body is important. But sport is also a great vehicle for human emotion. In playful ways you learn about the important things in life – respecting one another, fair play, the fact that when you play in a team the colour of your skin, your religion and your background don’t matter. Sport is a great equaliser.”
Thirteen-year-old Elias, he adds laughingly, does have sporting dreams – he would like to play for Chelsea or Bayern Munich.
His other children love sport too. The mature and reflective Becker talks about them all with obvious joy. “My daughter Anna is very sporty, and she’s into dance. She likes ballet and music. She’s a typical girl,” he says with a smile.
And little Amadeus? He is quick to share his favourite anecdote about the two- year-old. “I couldn’t believe my eyes.
One day he actually picked up my tennis racket, which is taller than him, and started bashing it about. So who knows? Maybe my youngest is going to be a tennis player.”
Becker is clearly a devoted father who enjoys his children. He was happy to go along with his new wife Lilly’s wish to have her own child. “Happy wife, happy life,” he grins. And then the grin grows even broader: “Hopefully, we’ll have another child in the future. Let’s see.”
The outsized chronometer on Becker’s left wrist indicates it is time to wind up the interview. His 6’ 3” frame, unmistakeable features and German accent mean he will never blend into the crowd in London, but then he feels no need to hide. He enjoys his status as ‘Britain’s favourite German’. “People like me because I love it here. I like the British lifestyle, the sense of history this country has while also being very up to date. And then, of course, Wimbledon means a lot to me. And London is such a true melting pot in the good sense of the word. So I feel very much at home in this city, and I think it shows.”
Becker’s tennis life
Born 22 November 1967 Youngest ever winner of the Men’s Singles title at Wimbledon (aged 17, 1985)
6 Grand Slam singles titles
1 Olympic Gold medal (Men’s Doubles) Retired from professional tennis in 1999