Becker on how prison changed perspective on life: "It feels great to be free, and at peace with myself"

If you asked Boris Becker 30 years ago whether he thinks he'll be in prison he would have said 'no' but that's exactly what happened to him in 2021.

Becker was convinced of several charges and sent to a British prison where he spent a few months. It's been something that shifted his perspective quite a bit and in talks since leaving the prison, Becker talked about how defining the moment was for him as it's not something everybody experiences.

Speaking about it recently, Becker said it's great to be 'free':

“It feels great to be free, and at peace with myself. We all have to improve ourselves. Whether that is possible is another question. I’m very pleased that after six months I was able to leave prison. I see the world with a different perception. I’m able to rebuild my life, and I hope the film shows a facet of my life that is not so known.”

He also credited tennis for helping him overcome the prison time:

“The only thing that saves you on a tennis court is your mind – you’re afraid, you respect your opponent, you don’t know how it’s going to be, and life in jail is like that. You never know what is around the corner. The wins and losses have prepared me for my life after. There have been ups and downs, but I’m still sitting here and I’m okay.”