Benjamin Becker
A German tennis player forever etched in history as the man who ended the professional career of American great Andre Agassi in a dramatic US Open match.
Born 1981 (age 45)·German tennis player·Birthday: June 16·Millennials
Biography
Benjamin Becker carved out a solid, journeyman's career on the ATP Tour, but his legacy is defined by a single, poignant match. A powerful server and baseliner from Germany, he turned professional after a standout collegiate career at Baylor University in the United States, where he won an NCAA singles title. For years, he hovered in the ranks of the world's top 100, a respected competitor known for his work ethic. Then, in the third round of the 2006 US Open, he faced an aging but beloved Andre Agassi. In a emotionally charged night session, Becker played fearless tennis, overpowering the eight-time major champion in four sets. The victory sent Agassi into retirement and placed Becker permanently in the sport's narrative. He would go on to win one ATP title and represent Germany in Davis Cup, but that New York night remains the defining chapter of his story, a reminder of how one match can resonate beyond rankings and trophies.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Benjamin was born in 1981, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Benjamin Was Born
The biggest hits of 1981
#1 Movie
Raiders of the Lost Ark
Best Picture
Chariots of Fire
#1 TV Show
Dallas
Benjamin's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1981Born
MTV launches; first Space Shuttle flight; AIDS identified
Gas: $1.31/galHome: $52,300Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Bette Davis Eyes" — Kim CarnesBest Picture: Chariots of Fire
1986Started school
Challenger disaster; Chernobyl nuclear meltdown
Gas: $0.86/galHome: $66,600Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"That's What Friends Are For" — Dionne & FriendsBest Picture: Platoon
1994Became a teenager
Nelson Mandela elected president of South Africa
Gas: $1.11/galHome: $90,400Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"The Sign" — Ace of BaseBest Picture: Forrest Gump
1997Could drive
Princess Diana dies in Paris car crash; Harry Potter published
Gas: $1.23/galHome: $104,100Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Candle in the Wind 1997" — Elton JohnBest Picture: Titanic
1999Could vote
Columbine shooting; Y2K panic builds
Gas: $1.17/galHome: $113,900Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Believe" — CherBest Picture: American Beauty
2002Turned 21
Euro currency enters circulation
Gas: $1.36/galHome: $137,800Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"How You Remind Me" — NickelbackBest Picture: Chicago
2011Turned 30
Osama bin Laden killed; Arab Spring sweeps the Middle East
Gas: $3.53/galHome: $138,400Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Rolling in the Deep" — AdeleBest Picture: The Artist
2021Turned 40
January 6 Capitol breach; COVID vaccines roll out globally
Gas: $3.01/galHome: $298,900Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"Levitating" — Dua LipaBest Picture: CODA
2026Age 45 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Defeated Andre Agassi in the final match of Agassi's professional career at the 2006 US Open.
- Won the NCAA Division I singles championship in 2004 while playing for Baylor University.
- Captured his sole ATP Tour singles title at the 2009 Ordina Open in the Netherlands.
- Achieved a career-high singles ranking of World No. 35 in 2007.
Did You Know?
He is not related to the more famous German tennis player Boris Becker.
He served in the German military as a sports soldier (Bundeswehr).
He won the ATP's Arthur Ashe Humanitarian of the Year award in 2015 for his charitable work.
He studied at Baylor University in Texas on a tennis scholarship.
“I knew it was my last match, and I wanted to finish it on my terms.”
