The Player by Boris Becker

Boris Becker's autobiography, 'The Player,' offers a candid look into the life of one of the greatest tennis players of the 20th century. The book details his historic Wimbledon victories, his battles with personal demons, and the controversies that have followed him throughout his career. Becker shares intimate details about his family life, including his marriage, divorce, and the revelation of an illegitimate daughter. He also opens up about his struggles with substance abuse and the emotional turmoil he faced at the end of his tennis career. /n/n Beyond the headlines, Becker provides a raw and honest account of his experiences, offering insights into the pressures of fame and the challenges of maintaining a public image. The book is not just for his fans but also for his children, providing them with a true account of their father's remarkable and often controversial life. It's a story of triumph, struggle, and redemption that will captivate readers.

Reviews

Functional Tennis · 2026-01-03

great 4.00

The book is enjoyed for its candid and thought-provoking content, offering a unique perspective on Becker's life and career. It is recommended for its mental preparation insights, making it a valuable read for tennis enthusiasts.

Functional Tennis' review highlights the candid and thought-provoking nature of Boris Becker's autobiography. The reviewer enjoyed the book for its unique perspective on Becker's life and career, finding it particularly valuable for the insights it offers into mental preparation. The book is recommended for tennis enthusiasts who seek a deeper understanding of the psychological aspects of the sport. The reviewer appreciates Becker's honesty and the way he shares his experiences, making the book both engaging and informative. While it may not delve deeply into every aspect of his career, it provides a compelling narrative that resonates with readers.

Quick quotes

This along with the Inner Game of Tennis will have you covered mentally and prepared for any match.

I enjoyed this read. Becker's candidness and thought-provoking content make it a valuable read.

The book offers a unique perspective on Becker's life and career, particularly in terms of mental preparation.

The Telegraph · Lynn Barber · 2004-06-20

good 3.00

Lynn Barber finds Becker's autobiography to be a candid and introspective look at his life, highlighting his sensitivity and the trials he faced. The book is praised for its honesty but criticized for its lack of depth in certain areas.

Lynn Barber's review in The Telegraph praises Boris Becker's autobiography for its candidness and introspective nature. She notes that Becker's sensitivity is a recurring theme, and his willingness to share personal struggles adds a layer of authenticity to the book. However, Barber also points out that the book could have delved deeper into certain aspects of Becker's life, particularly his tennis career. She finds the narrative engaging but feels that it sometimes skims over important details, leaving the reader wanting more. Overall, Barber appreciates the honesty in Becker's storytelling but wishes for a more comprehensive exploration of his experiences.

Quick quotes

Becker's sensitivity is a recurring theme throughout the book.

The autobiography is praised for its honesty but criticized for its lack of depth in certain areas.

Barber finds the narrative engaging but feels it sometimes skims over important details.

The Independent · 2004-06-18

mixed 2.50

The episodic structure of the book fails to provide a clear picture of Becker's career. The detailed account of a single match is a highlight, but the overall narrative is disjointed.

The Independent's review highlights the episodic nature of Boris Becker's autobiography, noting that it doesn't cohesively tell the story of his career. While there are moments of detail, such as the account of a single match, the overall structure leaves the reader without a clear picture of his journey. The review suggests that the book could have benefited from a more linear approach to better capture the essence of Becker's experiences. However, it acknowledges that the candidness of Becker's personal reflections adds depth to the narrative, making it a compelling read despite its structural flaws.

Quick quotes

Thanks to the book's episodic structure, no clear picture of his career emerges.

The only detailed account of a single match is Becker's victory over Stefan Edberg in the 1989 Wimbledon final.

Becker's candid reflections on his personal life add depth to the narrative.

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