Newport (Rhode Island), July 13: Former world no. 1 Boris Becker of Germany has became the second-youngest individual to be inducted to the Tennis Hall of Fame.
Francoise "Frankie" Durr of France, American Nancy Richey and Brian Tobin of Australia entered the hall with the 35-year-old Becker.
Nicknamed "Boom Boom," Becker won six grand slam titles among 49 singles and 15 doubles crowns. He held the world no. 1 ranking for 109 weeks and finished in the top 10 an impressive 11 times in 16 years. Bjorn Borg was the youngest Hall of Famer, inducted at 31 in 1987.
As a teenager, Becker took the world by storm in 1985. He won Wimbledon at 17 years, 7 months, becoming the youngest male to claim a grand slam championship. The German also captured titles at the all England club in 1986 and 1989 and reached the final there seven times in 10 years.
His other major crowns include the Australian Open in 1991 and 1996 and the US Open in 1989. The French Open was the only grand slam that eluded him.



On the court, Becker was known for a booming serve, heavy ground strokes and diving volleys. In retirement, however, he made news with tax and marital problems.



Ranked as high as third during a 20-year career, Durr captured the 1967 French Open singles championship along with 11 grand slam doubles titles. In all, she collected 26 singles crowns and more than 40 doubles titles.


Bureau Report