Becker Returns To Winner’s Circle

Boris Becker blended his uncanny survival instincts with the diving volleys of his youth to win the Australian Open today, more than a decade after the first of his six Grand Slam titles.

Facing a gritty comeback charge by Michael Chang, Becker changed his shoes, his rackets, his shirts, changed the pace and style of his game, did everything he had to do to secure a 6-2, 6-4, 2-6, 6-2 victory.

Becker’s victory this time, at 28, proved to himself and the world that he’s not too old to win Grand Slam events, that he can keep up rallies even with indefatigable younger players like the 23-year-old Chang, and that there may be more of this to come.

“To tell the truth, I didn’t think I had a Grand Slam left in me,” Becker told the crowd.

“My days are counting,” Becker said to Chang, “not yours.”

Said Chang: “Boris is very much a champion, both on and off the court. Boris was just too good today.”

Becker’s path to this title was as hard as any he’s ever had. After losing in the first round here in 1993, skipping ‘94, and losing in the first round again last year, Becker got off to a slow start.

He survived a five-setter in the first round, came back from two sets down to win another five-setter in the second round, and played close matches the rest of the way.

Chang dropped his first service game on a double fault, but was under pressure the whole match as he struggled to save 18 of 23 break points.

Chang saved six break points in the second set before, at 4-4, Becker dashed across to put away a forehand volley on what had looked like a winning forehand crosscourt pass by Chang from short range. Becker served out the set at love.

But Chang, once again coming from behind, got to deuce on a forehand pass down the line and gained his first service break of the day on two double faults by Becker.

Becker wound up with seven double faults, Chang six, and they each served 11 aces.

Becker’s first break in the third set was frustrating for Chang, who double faulted at 15-0 after a portable telephone rang in the stands. Chang fell behind 30-40 when he hit a backhand that brought no call from the baseline judge but then was called out by the chair umpire.

Chang protested angrily, and again after hitting wide on an attempted forehand pass down the line on game-point.

Becker served out the match as Chang ran out of passing shots, missing his first three tries in the game.

No man past the age of 25 had won a Grand Slam title since Stefan Edberg captured his second straight U.S. Open in 1992. Becker now is the oldest player to win a major since 30-year-old Andres Gomez took the French in 1990.

Becker also extended his mark as the active player with the most singles title, 45, including Wimbledon in 1985, ‘86 and ‘89, the U.S. Open in ‘89 and ‘91, and the ‘91 Australian.