Becker & Edberg – Wimbledon triology
In an era when serve-and-volley tennis was at its peak, two players elevated the style into an art form, each in their own distinctive way. Boris Becker and Stefan Edberg dominated the courts of the late ’80s and early ’90s. Their rivalry wasn’t built on opposition, but on variation within a shared philosophy: attack, approach the net, finish the point.
“Boom Boom” Becker’s game was explosive, built around a thunderous serve, diving volleys, and an aggressive, winner’s mindset that radiated on court. Edberg’s game was more refined, his serve-and-volley style was controlled, precise, technically flawless, and he moved across the court with effortless grace.
Their finest chapter was written on the hallowed grass of Wimbledon, across three consecutive finals from 1988 to 1990:
• 1988: Edberg triumphed in four sets 4-6, 7-6, 6-4, 6-2
• 1989: Becker struck back in straight sets 6-0, 7-6, 6-4
• 1990: a true classic... 6-2, 6-2, 3-6, 3-6, 6-4
In that third final, Edberg surged ahead with a two-set lead. Becker, as always, battled back to level the match and even took a break lead in the fifth. But Edberg seized back the momentum and claimed the title with a 6–4 final set, in what many consider their most legendary encounter.
After their playing days, they met again, not as opponents, but as coaches to the next generation: Edberg with Roger Federer, Becker with Novak Djokovic. Two legends. Two styles. One golden era. Becker and Edberg: the art of serve & volley, spoken in two different languages.
