Becker to become a British citizen?

What's all this? A proud German sportsman entertaining the thought of becoming a Brit? The news of the former Tennis champion Boris Becker's revelation that he is likely to seek British citizenship seems many years too late. If only he had made the choice during his heyday during the 1980s, Britain may not have had to wait all those years for Andy Murray to come along and win Wimbledon. That may of course be pure fantasy now, but given the spate of other players who have opted to join the British tennis revolution, stranger things have happened.

Amadeus Becker to gain British passport?

Forty-seven-year-old Becker told the BBC's Breakfast show that both he and his wife, Sharlely "Lilly" Kerssenberg were looking to attain a British passport for their son, Amadeus. He was born in London in February 2010. The six-time Grand Slam winner went on to add that he would ultimately seek British citizenship for himself as well, given his feelings for the country and his residency therein.

The Beckers of Wimbledon

Becker lives in Wimbledon and said in his interview that he and his family "love Wimbledon a lot." Having won the title at the All England Club in 1985 at the tender age of just 17, becoming the youngest men's singles champion in the process, it is perhaps not all that surprising.

He went on to have many of his greatest tennis successes on their pristine grass courts, claiming two more singles titles during the 1980s. Other Grand Slam successes at the Australian Open (twice) and the US Open did follow, but it seems that England's famous sporting venue has always held a special place in his heart.

He said that Wimbledon has in effect been his professional home through his tennis involvement for the last 30 years.

Of his living arrangements he added that it has also been his "private home for the last couple of years", before stating that "eventually I am sure we will ask for it" (referring to the citizenship).

Switched allegiances

On the playing front in recent years, Britain has seemingly encouraged players born in other countries to opt to represent them in the future instead.

On the women's side, Johanna Konta is the current British number two. Originally born in Sydney to Hungarian parents, Konta initially competed as an Aussie. She became a British citizen in 2012 and has represented Great Britain ever since.

On the men's side, Aljaz Bedene has also slipped into the British number two spot, following his pledge of allegiance to Team GB earlier this year. The 25-year-old was born in Slovenia but now lives in London. He had formerly represented his country of birth after turning professional in 2008, but was granted British citizenship on 26^th March.