Becker reacted to a seven-month-old video of MJ opening a third clinic in his hometown.
German tennis star Boris Becker turned professional in 1984, the same year Michael Jordan was drafted third overall by the Chicago Bulls. Jordan went on to become the greatest basketball player of all time. Meanwhile, Becker established himself as one of tennis’ all-time greats.
Having witnessed Mike’s greatness on the court, the 57-year-old is more impressed with what Jordan has done away from it. Reacting to a social media post showing an emotional MJ speaking during the opening of a medical clinic he financed, Boris gave his peer superstar the ultimate compliment.
MJ spending $10 million on clinics in North Carolina
Becker is seven months late praising Jordan for his charitable act—he reacted to a video of MJ speaking during the opening of the Michael Jordan Family Clinic in his hometown of Wilmington, North Carolina, in May.
The clinic, located at 1423 Greenfield Street, is one of three Jordan opened after partnering with Novant Health. The first one at Freedom Drive in Charlotte opened in 2018 while the second one in Statesville Avenue opened in 2020.
Although Boris’ reaction is delayed, there’s no such thing as being late when you praise someone for building medical facilities for people in need. For the three-time Wimbledon champion, it’s also not the first time he’s given Jordan his flowers.
The second-greatest sports champion behind Ali
Two years ago, when French football legend Zinedine Zidane celebrated his 50th birthday, FIFA compiled birthday greetings from some of the world’s greatest athletes. Becker was one of them, and in doing so, he indirectly complimented Jordan.
“For me, Zidane is the third greatest champion in the history of sport, behind Muhammad Ali and Michael Jordan. He is bigger than Maradona and Pele,” said the tennis icon.
Legendary boxer Muhammad Ali was dubbed “The Greatest,” as he is widely considered the best athlete of all time. Becker’s decision to put Michael next to him was another ultimate sign of respect for the Chicago Bulls icon who continues to give back to his community despite being over two decades removed from his NBA retirement.
