Betting Underdogs: Boris Becker winning Wimbledon in 1985

Heading into the 1985 Wimbledon tournament, not many expected the fresh faced 17-year-old Boris Becker would go all the way and win the showpiece. But that’s precisely what he did, as he became the youngest ever player to take home the crown.

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Although he was ranked 20th in the world prior to the tournament getting underway, only the top 16 were seeded, meaning he was unseeded. Priced at 11/1 in the odds, there were many other big names fancied for success, including Pat Cash, Jimmy Connors, John McEnroe, Ivan Lendl, Mats Wilander, Anders Jarryd and Kevin Curren.

Starting off in fine form by taking out Americans Hank Pfister and Matt Anger, this earned him a match up with seventh seed Joakim Nystrom. In what was a mammoth tussle, Becker eventually prevailed in an epic five setter by taking home the final set 9-7.

The fourth round clash almost saw the end of him, as he twisted his ankle badly and almost withdrew, before fighting on to take out Tim Mayotte. Henri Lecomte then awaited him in the quarters, but the man who’d just ousted Lendl succumbed to Becker in four sets.

Jarryd then stood between Becker and a place in the final. Having lost the first set, he kicked into gear impressively, going on to power past the seeded Swede in four sets.

Facing off against Curren in the final, Becker knew he’d have his work cut out for him. After all, Curren had already beaten the likes of McEnroe and Connors and was the favourite. Flying out of the blocks to win the first set, Curren then bounced back to win the second.

Becker wasn’t to be denied though, claiming the next two sets to secure an unforgettable victory.

For the man who’d go onto win six grand slams, this record breaking Wimbledon triumph that started it all, will never be forgotten.

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