Germany’s Boris Becker was the defending champion going into the 1986 Wimbledon Mens Finals against Czech Ivan Lendl. Lendl got to the finals by defeating USA Tim Mayotte 6 – 4, 4 – 6, 6 – 4, 6 – 3, 9 – 7 in the quarterfinals….then downed unseeded Slobodan Zivojinovic in the semifinals also in five (5) sets by a score of 6 – 2, 6 – 7, 6 – 3, 6 – 7, 6 – 4….thus reaching the finals against Becker…..who on the other hand defeated Czech Miloslav Mecir 6 – 4, 6 – 2, 7 – 6 in the quarters…..followed bya defeat of Frenchman Henri Leconte 6 – 4, 6 – 2, 6 – 7, 6 – 3 to reach the finals against Lendl.
Boris Becker is a German former world No. 1 professional tennis player….who was successful from the start of his career….winning the first of his six major singles titles at age seventeen (17)….who also won five year-end championships….13 Masters Series titles….and an Olympic gold medal in doubles….as Tennis Magazine ranked him the 11th best male player of the period 1965–2005. At times Becker struggled with his early success and fame, and his personal life has been turbulent. Since his playing career ended, he has engaged in numerous ventures, including coaching Novak Djokovic for three years.
Ivan Lendl is a retired tennis player originally from Czechoslovakia who became a United States citizen in 1992….who is considered among the greatest players in the sport’s history. He was the world No. 1 for 270 weeks in the 1980s….and finished his career with 94 singles titles. At the majors he won eight titles and was runner-up a record 11 times….which this video depicts one of those 11….as he also won seven year-end championships and a record 22 Grand Prix Super Series titles. Lendl’s game was built around his forehand, hit hard with heavy topspin….and his success is cited as a primary influence in popularizing this “power baseline” style. As a tennis coach, he has helped Andy Murray win three major titles and reach the No. 1 ranking.
Boris Becker defeats Ivan Lendl 6–4, 6–3, 7–5 in this final seen herewith to win the Gentlemen’s Singles tennis title at the 1986 Wimbledon Championships….which was his second consecutive…..as this match is MUST SEE TV for any tennis enthusiast.
