Boris Becker, the former world number one tennis star, has begun a career as a professional poker player.
Becker, aged 40, said "I have been playing intensively since last year, [...] What fascinates me about poker is the psychology; what is my opponent thinking of me and what do I think of him."
Becker won Wimbledon three times in his tennis career, before retiring from the sport in June of 1999. He learned poker while he was on the ATP circuit, and would play it during rain breaks at Wimbledon.
Becker also commented he would be keen to see other former tennis stars at the poker table, saying “I would like to know how people like Adnre Agassi, Pete Sampras, John McEnroe, Stefan Edberg, Ivan Lendl or even Jimmy Connors, manage to keep their cool at poker.
Since retiring from tennis, Becker has worked on running the tennis division of Volkl Inc, a tennis racquet and clothing manufacturer. He also became the team captain of the quiz show 'They Think It's All Over' – a position he held until the show was cancelled in June 2006.
Becker joined Team PokerStars in November of last year, and will be taking part in the European Poker Tour grand final in Monte Carlo next month.
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