Tennis icon Boris Becker has expressed his dissatisfaction with the ATP Tour’s method of record-keeping, contending that it overlooks accomplishments made before 1990. This dispute arose when Alexander Zverev matched Becker’s record of 11 ATP Masters finals.
The ATP Tour was formally established in 1990, a date that Becker believes dismisses the tennis played prior to that year. Notwithstanding, the official records only acknowledge ATP Masters events, neglecting Becker’s remarkable performances in the Grand Prix tournaments, the precursor to the ATP Masters.
Becker conveyed his endorsement for Zverev while articulating apprehensions about the credibility of pre-1990 tennis record-keeping. He conveyed his opinions on Twitter, advocating for the importance of tennis history.
“While I wholeheartedly support Sascha @AlexZverev reaching the final in Rome (in fact I will be rooting for him to win the title for the 2nd time), I am aware that tennis was played before 1990… does this mean all titles won no longer have significance?!? Just a thought,” Becker tweeted.
Becker, notwithstanding his grievances, has pledged his backing for Zverev as the latter endeavors to secure the Italian Open title for the second time.
Becker himself enjoyed a distinguished career, clinching numerous titles in the pre-ATP Tour era. He secured his first Grand Prix title in 1985 at the Cincinnati Open and continued to attain significant victories across various tournaments over the years.
On the other hand, Alexander Zverev has also established an impressive record, matching Becker’s achievements with his Italian Open triumph. Zverev’s addition of the Italian Open title to his collection brings his tally of Masters titles and finals runs level with Becker.
While ATP Tour policies do not explicitly mandate the recognition of pre-1990 records, it remains a subject of contention in the tennis community. Officially, Zverev has emulated Becker’s footsteps in terms of Masters records, making him Germany’s most successful player under the ATP Tour’s official records.
Despite the controversy, Boris Becker has left a lasting imprint on professional tennis, distinguished by his six Grand Slam titles and a total of 49 trophies obtained throughout his career. Despite the meticulous and contentious nature of record-keeping, both Becker and Zverev’s contributions to the sport endure as noteworthy and influential.