Though the world remembers the legend, it is the love and strength of those who raised them that truly shaped their legacy. On Thursday morning, the tennis icon Boris Becker faced a profound loss as his beloved mother passed away at the age of 89. Elvira was found lifeless in her apartment in Leimen, Baden-Württemberg. The heartbreaking news reached Boris in Milan, where he lives with his wife Lilianvia, via a phone call, and was later confirmed to the media by his lawyer, Oliver Moser, who stated that Boris is in “deep mourning.” This tragic event comes just a day before Boris’ 57th birthday.

He is currently en route to be with his family. But he took a moment to share his sorrow with fans. “My dear mother has left us… Everything I have accomplished in life, I owe to you. It is a great pain that I feel right now, but you gave birth to me 57 years ago today and made me a strong man. It was the first snowfall in Leimen and it’s snowing again today(Translated from German),” he wrote on Instagram alongside cherished photos of them over the years.

Elvira was the central pillar of the Becker family after they lost his father, Karl-Heinz Becker, an architect, in 1999 to cancer. Remember Becker with his mother Elvira at the Radio Regenbogen Awards, 2019? Not many would remember a 5-year-old affair. But Becker thanked fans, saying, “My sister Sabine and I would like to thank you for the great respect and love towards my mother.” He concluded, “Rest in peace Elvira.” Just last Christmas, they were joyfully reunited for the holidays. 

In May 2024, Boris visited Elvira for Mother’s Day, sharing a heartfelt Instagram post with photos captioned, ‘The one and only… Elvira! Happy Mother’s Day.’ Later, Elvira’s health began to decline in her later years. Preventing her from attending significant family events like Boris’s wedding to Lilian de Carvalho Monteiro in September 2024. ‘I can’t cope with my health, my legs can’t take it anymore. It’s a long journey,’ she had explained to Germany’s Bild newspaper just weeks before the event. However, Boris being Boris, he sent her wedding photos by courier.

Boris’s journey has been filled with ups and downs over the years. Through every challenge, she provided unwavering support, helping him persevere during difficult times.

Elvira Becker’s legacy and influence on son’s life did not go unnoticed

Elvira Becker, born Elvira Pisch, was a remarkable figure in the life of her son. Fleeing Czechoslovakia with her family during or after World War II. She eventually settled in Germany, where she married architect Karl-Heinz Becker. Together, they laid the foundation for Boris’s illustrious tennis career. Karl-Heinz built a tennis center in Leimen, which became the starting point for Boris’s training. Elvira managed the family’s affairs, providing the stability that allowed her son to focus on his rigorous training and early competitions.

Throughout Boris’s career, Elvira remained a steadfast presence, supporting him through both triumphs and tribulations. She was there to witness her son’s historic Wimbledon victory on July 7, 1985. At just 17 years old, Boris became the youngest champion in the tournament’s history. With her unwavering love and support, he clinched a total of three Wimbledon Championships in 1985, 1986, and 1989. He also secured two Australian Open titles in 1991 and 1996, along with one US Open title in 1989.

Even during his high-profile scandals and personal struggles, Elvira Becker remained a constant source of emotional support for her son. She provided comfort through regular phone calls, ensuring he felt connected during challenging times. Reports indicated that these conversations were crucial for Boris during his challenging times. Her unwavering love and guidance were evident when she advised him not to “do anything stupid” on the night of his retirement.

Despite these challenges, she remained a central figure in his life. Elvira Becker’s legacy as a devoted mother and grandmother remains deeply etched in the hearts of those who knew her. Her unwavering support and love shaped the life of her son, Boris Becker, a tennis legend. This bond will forever resonate through his achievements and cherished memories.