How Boris Becker went from tennis world No 1 to bankruptcy: the former athlete and Wimbledon star retired in 1999, became a BBC host and coached Novak Djokovic – but was snared by financial woes

Dec 22 , 2022

Former tennis player Boris Becker arrives at Southwark Crown Court, in London, on April 8. Photo: AP

The former German tennis superstar was released from prison on December 15, after serving eight months of a two-and-a-half-year sentence for financial misdemeanours

‘Boom, Boom’ won Wimbledon as an unknown teenager in 1985, then got trophies for the US Open and the Australian Open – years later, he was found guilty in April of avoiding paying his debts

Boris Becker became an overnight sensation when he won Wimbledon as an unknown teenager, but personal and financial troubles have dogged him since he hung up his racket.

Becker, 55, was released from prison in London on December 15 after serving eight months of a two-and-a-half-year prison sentence for financial misdemeanours.

Former tennis player Boris Becker arrives at Southwark Crown Court in London, on April 29. Photo: AFP

He was originally required to serve at least 15 months but reportedly received an early release as part of a programme designed to ease pressure on Britain’s overcrowded prisons.

The main entrance to HMP Huntercombe prison near Henley on Thames, England, on December 9, where former tennis icon Boris Becker was serving his sentence. Photo: AP

Victory for the 17-year-old German at the All England Club in 1985 made him the youngest male player ever to win the tournament and was the start of an enduring love affair with the Centre Court crowd.

Boris Becker of Germany kisses the Gentleman’s trophy to celebrate his victory over Kevin Curren during the men’s singles final of the Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Championship in 1985, at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club in Wimbledon in London, England. Photo: Getty Images

Nicknamed “Boom, Boom” for his ferocious serve, he won Wimbledon again the following year and lifted four more grand slam trophies in a sparkling career that brought him 49 singles titles and career earnings of US$50 million.

Becker retired from playing in 1999, but remained a high-profile figure in the game with a commentary job for the BBC, before switching paths to coach Novak Djokovic to six grand slam titles between 2014 and 2016.

Novak Djokovic of Serbia (right) hugs his coach Boris Becker (left) after winning against Roger Federer of Switzerland during the final at the ATP World Tour Finals in London, Britain, in November 2015. Photo: EPA