Chronicle
Boris Becker’s future will not be decided on the tennis court, but in a London courtroom. Judge Deborah Taylor plans to announce the 54-year-old’s sentence on Friday. A jury found him guilty on four counts three weeks ago.
According to the jury, Becker deliberately did not fully disclose parts of his assets in the insolvency proceedings. The lay judges saw it as proven that the former tennis star, among other things, concealed a property in his hometown of Leimen and illegally transferred large sums to other accounts. Theoretically, he could face a prison sentence.
The public prosecutor had raised a total of 24 charges against Becker. He concealed numerous valuables from his insolvency administrator and now blames his advisors, who he says took care of his finances.
Becker himself denied the allegations. The German’s defense attorney said his client was naive but innocent. In 20 out of 24 points, the jury followed this reasoning, also when asked about missing trophies.
Condemnation as a “clear warning”
But the four-count guilty verdict could be enough to change Becker’s life. “This conviction is a clear warning to those who believe they can hide their wealth and get away with it. You will be investigated and prosecuted,” said the bankruptcy authority. Becker can appeal both the guilty verdict and the sentence.
Becker lives in London. He comments on tennis tournaments for the BBC, among other things, and – unlike in Germany – is very popular with the British. His partner Lilian De Carvalho Monteiro accompanied him to court every day.
Financial problems for years
Despite his brilliant successes, the three-time Wimbledon winner has had financial problems for years. Becker blamed the expensive divorce from ex-wife Barbara and high maintenance costs for daughter Anna Ermakowa in court.
After he was declared bankrupt by a court in 2017, he had to disclose his assets to the insolvency administrators – but according to the jury he left out important parts. Now it is eagerly awaited whether the former tennis ace will even have to go behind bars.
