Many tennis players over the years, had trouble finding a real life out there after they finished their career.

A few of them couldn't keep away from the tennis court and came back to play the senior circuit after a year or two of rest. Some opened tennis clinics and academies, some stayed close to the game as TV commentators and summarisers.

Some played golf and just spent time with their families, and some even had a tough time finding their way after years of fame and fortune and went into business, only to find out, like Bjorn Borg) that being a great tennis player doesn't automatically make you a good businessman – even if you have lots of money.

'As a sportsman who hated to lose, it will be interesting to see if he will be able to keep a poker face for long ...'


And some turn to a professional poker career!

Former German star Boris Becker, decided to play poker professionally after a year of playing the card game for fun. Becker said in an interview with German newspaper Die Welt that he learned how to play the card game on the ATP Tour, and he got most poker practice during the long rain breaks at Wimbledon!

Becker said that what interests him most about the game is the mental side. He told reporters that he would love to know how his rivals on the court – Jimmy Connors, Ivan Lendl, John McEnroe and others – would handle the huge pressure of the game, and especially the need to keep their cool.

Becker’s first challenge as a poker professional will be to try to secure one of 800 places at a major tournament coming up in April in Monte Carlo.

The three-times Wimbledon champion hopes to reap the rewards for all the time he had on his hands during the years he played at the All England Club.

It will be interesting to see Becker on the poker circuit. As a sportsman who hated to lose, it will be fascinating to see if he can keep a poker face for long – especially if things don't go his way.

What will he do then, when he has no racket in his hand to throw down in disgust?