CTK

Updated 19 hours ago

Six-time Grand Slam champion Becker was found guilty on April 8 on four of the 24 charges. The 54-year-old denies guilt and can appeal the verdict. But punishment must come soon.

Becker was found guilty in a bankruptcy proceedings that have been ongoing since 2017. He was found guilty, among other things, of failing to provide all inventory and concealing debt. In early 2002, Becker was sentenced to probation and a fine for tax evasion in a court in Munich.

After his bankruptcy, Becker transferred hundreds of thousands of pounds from his trading account to other accounts, including the accounts of his ex-wife Barbara and later his wife Lilly, with whom he divorced. Nor did he give away real estate in Germany, a bank loan of 825,000 euros and a stake in a technology company.

Instead, he was cleared of charges that he did not give away most of his accolades, including the Wimbledon trophy and Olympic gold medal. Becker had previously sold several trophies to pay off previous debts.

Becker denied the allegations, saying he had fully cooperated with the creditors and had even allegedly offered them his wedding ring. According to him, he also followed the advice of experts.

During today’s hearing, prosecutor Rebecca Chalkley said Becker was “tactful and dishonest” and “still trying to blame other people.”

Becker’s personal bankruptcy stemmed from a €4.6 million loan from a private bank in 2013 and another $1.6 million loan from a British businessman a year later.

During his 16-year professional career, the winner of 49 tournaments earned $25 million in prizes. In court, Becker said he lost most of his money due to an expensive divorce and also due to debts he incurred after losing most of his earnings after his career.

Becker rose to prominence in 1985, winning Wimbledon as the first unseeded player at the age of 17. She went on to become world number one and won the grand slam trophy of the Australian Open and US Open.