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'The player belongs to the past'

Becker restates plan not to play Wimbledon

Posted: Saturday May 30, 1998 05:57 PM

Boris Becker captured three Wimbeldon championships, in 1985, 1986 and 1989 (AP)

NEUSS, Germany (AP) -- Boris Becker, a three-time Wimbledon champion, said Saturday he will definitely skip the grand slam tournament that provided the backdrop for many of his greatest successes.

"I don't plan to play it," said Becker, 30, in an interview with the German television station ARD.

"People will have to get used to the idea that the tennis player Boris Becker belongs to the past."

Becker, who reached the Wimbledon singles final seven times, announced last year that his quarterfinal loss to Pete Sampras would be his last match at the All England Championships.

But since then Becker had left the option of a return this year open as he continues to show some on-court prowress, including leading the German team to victory in last week's World Team Cup.

Becker electrified the Germans and the world as a 17-year-old when he captured Wimbledon in 1985, then followed with titles in 1986 and 1989.

With his popularity, he has quickly assumed a powerful role in Germany's tennis association, both in the Davis Cup and in developing young players.

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