Shenzhen, China: Tennis superstar Boris Becker is teaming up with the Mission Hills Group, aiming to develop the sport in China and unearth Chinese Grand Slam champions.
In conjunction with Mission Hills, the six-time Grand Slam champion will create Asia’s first Boris Becker Tennis Academy.
During a visit to the site, the legendary German said: “I am thrilled to be here to announce this exciting partnership with Mission Hills.
“I am passionate about helping young tennis players to develop and it is my great hope that here at the Boris Becker Tennis Academy at Mission Hills we can uncover China’s next generation of tennis stars … and set them on their way to becoming Grand Slam contenders.”
After staging a junior clinic, Becker added: “Clearly there is tremendous talent and potential among young tennis players in China.
“To progress to the next levels, it’s imperative not only to provide outstanding facilities, such as those we have here at Mission Hills, but also to offer more opportunity to play tournaments.
“I believe that the Boris Becker Tennis Academy at Mission Hills will stimulate greater interest in the sport and prove the ideal training ground for boys and girls with the ambition to become world stars.”
Tenniel Chu, Mission Hills’ Vice Chairman, said: “We are excited to welcome Boris Becker to China and to announce a co-operation agreement between him and Mission Hills that will result in the creation of the world’s number one tennis academy.
“Mission Hills is already acknowledged as China’s highest-rated golf and leisure resort – and the world’s largest golf club.
“With the support and direct input of Boris, Mission Hills can now further cement its position as the pre-eminent tennis venue in China.”
As a player, Becker was nicknamed ‘Boom Boom’ when he burst on the scene as a 17-year-old. He reached number one in the world rankings and won an Olympic gold medal to go alongside three Wimbledon triumphs, two Australian Open titles and one US Open victory.
In December 2013, Becker assumed the role of coach to Novak Djokovic. With Becker at his side, Djokovic enjoyed an annus mirabilis in 2015. He made 15 straight finals, winning 11 titles, including three Grand Slams. He won 82 of 88 matches he played last year.
Of Becker, Djokovic speaks glowingly. He said: “Boris is a true legend, someone who has great tennis knowledge. His experience has helped me win new trophies, Grand Slams and other tournaments.
“He is a great person, too. He’s extremely tough mentally, always was – as a player, now as a coach. He never shows his weakness, I think that’s one of the characteristics and virtues that helped him to be a champion. We are a team, we do this together.”
For more than 20 years, Mission Hills has been at the forefront of tennis development in China.