The Player

by Boris Becker
The Player cover
Good Books rating 3.5
Biography and Memoir
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  • ID: 9857
  • Added: 2026-01-03
  • Updated: 2026-01-24
  • ISBN: 9781448110438
  • Publisher: Random House
  • Published: 2011-11-30
  • Reviews: 4

Boris Becker's autobiography offers a raw and unfiltered look into the life of one of tennis's greatest champions. From his historic Wimbledon victories to his battles with addiction and legal troubles, Becker shares the untold stories behind the headlines. He delves into his relationships, his struggles with fame, and the emotional rollercoaster of his career. This memoir is not just for his fans but also for his children, providing a true account of their father's remarkable and often controversial life. /n/n Becker's narrative is a blend of triumph and tribulation, offering insights into the pressures of international fame and the personal demons that accompanied his success. He speaks openly about his marriages, his daughter, and the painful divorce that marked a turning point in his life. The book also captures the exhilaration of championship wins and the agony of defeat, painting a vivid picture of life on the international tennis circuit.

Reviews
Functional Tennis · 2026-01-24
great 4.50

The reviewer enjoyed the read and found it mentally preparatory for any match. Becker's insights are valuable for tennis enthusiasts.

The reviewer from Functional Tennis shares that they enjoyed reading 'The Player' by Boris Becker. They found the book to be a valuable resource for tennis enthusiasts, particularly for its mental preparation insights. The reviewer appreciates Becker's candidness about his career and the challenges he faced, which can be both inspiring and educational for readers. The book is seen as a good addition to any tennis lover's library, offering a unique perspective from one of the sport's greats. While it may not delve deeply into every aspect of Becker's life, it provides a good overview and some memorable moments that resonate with readers.

Quick quotes

    I enjoyed this read.

    Becker's insights are valuable for tennis enthusiasts.

    The book is a good addition to any tennis lover's library.

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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