Becker Comeback Blocked By Haas

Boris Becker's possible return to Davis Cup action for Germany may have to be shelved after a threatened pull-out by world No3 Tommy Haas.

Becker, 34, who retired from the game three years ago, offered to play doubles against Venezuela in a World Group qualifying tie from September 20 to 22 after beating old rival and Davis Cup captain, Michael Stich, in an exhibition match last month.

Stich, aware that tickets for the fixture were selling slowly, thought it would be a good idea to call back the three-times Wimbledon champion.

"It would be good for German tennis if Becker did play," Stich told today's Bild.

The top-selling German newspaper had a front-page headline claiming Becker, who has been going through hard times lately, could play for his country again.

But Stich might have to abandon that idea after Haas and fellow Davis Cup player Rainer Schuettler both said they might withdraw from the team if Becker was selected.

German No1 Haas, beaten by Pete Sampras at the US Open this week, said he was against the idea because he felt Germany should concentrate on building a young team.

Stich, who was due to name his team yesterday, delayed the announcement but the German Tennis Federation (DTB) said today that he will unveil his team on Monday.

DTB president Georg von Waldenfels said he felt Stich would not ask Becker to come out of retirement. "I cannot imagine Becker could be selected if Haas and Schuettler were then to pull out," he said.

Becker, who has had to go through a costly divorce, a settlement to a pregnant lover and a battle with tax authorities since he retired after playing Wimbledon for the last time in 1999, inspired Germany to Davis Cup triumphs in 1988 and 1989. He was not in the team when they won the competition for the third and last time in 1993.