Boris Becker shares ‘struggle’ to accept how injuries changed his life
Boris Becker has spoken openly about how his injuries have impacted his ability to be a “physical person”.
The former tennis star, 57, sustained a number of injuries throughout his 16-year career, and underwent several surgeries after he retired in 1999. He recently appeared in Netflix’s new series Celebrity Bear Hunt, during which he slipped and tore his meniscus in his knee.
However, it was his 2017 ankle surgery that really left an impact on Becker’s ability to be active. He had two metal plates and six screws put in to keep his ankle straight, as part of treatment for an old tennis injury.
Becker told The Times: "I’ve been a very physical person all my life and it’s a nightmare, because with this ankle I cannot run."
He added that playing football with his children is also no longer possible. "It was a real change of mentality, of how to deal with it for the rest of my life, that I cannot run any more.
"It was difficult to accept. The first year or two was a real struggle."
During Celebrity Bear Hunt, which is hosted by Bear Grylls and Holly Willoughby, Becker spoke in detail about his injuries with co-star Melanie Brown and said he had lost three inches in height due to multiple surgeries.
"You can’t see it now, but I used to be very, very strong. I used to be taller," he told the former Spice Girl member.
"What do you mean, you used to be taller? You haven’t shrunk," Brown responded. Becker said: "Yeah, I was about 6”4’. I’m 6”1’ now because of my hip and knees and ankle surgeries. It downgrades you. I lost three inches and I paid a heavy price."
In his latest interview, Becker also revealed he has had knee surgery since tearing his meniscus during the show.
However, he said the injury did not really impact his time on the show. The other cast members - including Shirley Ballas, Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen, Big Zuu, Danny Cipriani, and Lottie Moss - referred to him as "the shaman", he said.
"I took on a different role," Becker explained. "I am 57. I’ve got a lot of life experience and I’ve weathered a lot of storms, so I can relate to many things. I’m not surprised by anything anymore. And that became my role.
"I think all of them were comfortable speaking to me. Because for most situations I have… not necessarily solutions, but I have ideas. How you can deal with and overcome obstacles."
Watch: Mel B says it was like a 'nightmare' being hunted by Bear Grylls in Celebrity Bear Hunt.
Some of Becker’s previous injuries included tendinitis in his left knee and an inflamed left heel, which led to him withdrawing from the Canadian Open in 1988. He also suffered from an ankle injury towards the end of the same year.
In his 40s, Becker had both of his hips replaced. He later encouraged three-time Grand Slam winner Andy Murray to have hip surgery to prolong his career, after Murray announced his plan to retire due to ongoing right hip pain in 2019.
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