Becker backs Sampras for eighth Wimbledon title
June 11, 2002
Former world number one and three times Wimbledon champion Boris Becker is backing Pete Sampras to win an eighth title at the All England Club.
In his column for English broadsheet, the Times, Becker named Sampras as his top pick for this year's Wimbledon championships, followed by fellow American Andre Agassi, Australia's Lleyton Hewitt and home hope Tim Henman.
"(Sampras) is the most natural grasscourt player in the world, he doesn't have a weakness, his serve, especially his second serve is outstanding, he volleys well, he is athletic, very cool under pressure -- he's the best ever!" Becker said.
"Seven wins is not an accident. If I were a betting man, I would put money on him because he knows what it takes. That sets him apart."
Sampras opted against taking up a wildcard for his traditional Wimbledon warm-up event, London's Stella Artois championships, choosing instead to play at Halle, Germany.
"This is a special time for Pete. Wimbledon for him is perhaps the one tournament he has left," Becker said.
"He wants to show the world he is still a champion and if it means coming to Germany to get a different edge to his preparation, why not?"
Becker, who at 17 became the youngest ever player to win the Wimbledon men's singles title in 1985, said he will be keeping a close eye on France's 15-year-old sensation Richard Gasquet, who won the French Open junior title last week.
"I shall be keen to see how Gasquet adapts," he said.
"It's a question of character and mental strength at that age, because you are not really sure what you are doing.
"I just hope he waits another couple of years to win Queen's so I keep my record as the youngest champion."
Becker beat Johan Kriek in the 1985 Queen's final, before embarking on his epic run to the Wimbledon title.
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