Boris Becker's triumph over Stefan Edberg in the 1989 Wimbledon final remains a defining moment in tennis history, not least for inspiring a young Roger Federer. The match, played 30 years ago, saw Becker avenge his defeat to Edberg in the previous year's final, winning 6-0, 7-6, 6-4.
Becker, then 21, described the victory as a 'proper comeback' after a period without a Grand Slam title. 'I needed to win that one because otherwise Stefan would have been ahead,' he told The Mail on Sunday. The rivalry between the two was marked by contrasting styles: Mats Wilander noted, 'Edberg moved like a cat; Becker was like a freight train.'
The final came after Becker played the longest semi-final in Wimbledon history against Ivan Lendl, lasting four hours and one minute. Lendl had skipped the French Open to practise on grass and led 3-0 in the third set before rain halted his momentum. Becker recovered to win in five sets, but the delay meant Edberg, who had spent Saturday resting, was considered favourite.
Becker knew he had to start fast, and he did, taking the first set 6-0. Edberg forced a tiebreak in the second, but Becker won it 7-1. One break in the third set was enough, and after the match, Becker threw his racket into the crowd as a 'thank you note'.
The rivalry captivated tennis fans, including a young Roger Federer, who later cited Becker as his idol. Both Becker and Edberg have since moved into coaching, with Edberg coaching Federer in 2014-2015.
