It’s Official: Becker Won’t Play in Indian Wells Event Next Week

Boris Becker, the No. 4 player in the world, isn’t here and isn’t coming.

Becker was absent but accounted for, sort of, when he officially withdrew Friday from next week’s $1.7-million Newsweek Champions Cup.

Becker’s withdrawal also marked the official conclusion of an unusual week of behind-the-scenes maneuvering and miscommunication.

More than a week ago, Becker had already decided that he would not play Newsweek, which he had added to his schedule as an extra event. Originally, Becker chose the Canadian Open over Newsweek as a designated event, then added Newsweek after all.

Mark Miles, chief executive officer of the ATP Tour, met with Becker in Stuttgart, where Becker withdrew in the quarterfinals because of flu, and asked Becker to continue to consider Newsweek.

However, Becker had to pull out of this week’s event in Rotterdam as well and had already decided not to play at Newsweek. Players can withdraw from extra events without penalty.

At a news conference in Rotterdam, Becker was surprised to learn that the ATP Tour and Newsweek promoter Charlie Pasarell still considered him to be part of the field.

Ion Tiriac, Becker’s manager, telephoned Pasarell and said Becker wasn’t coming. The official reason is flu.