Boris Becker rocketed to fame as a teenage Wimbledon champion, only to see his career earnings evaporate into a bankruptcy that landed him in prison. Now, after his 2024 discharge from bankruptcy, the six-time Grand Slam winner is rebuilding his life amid ongoing UK entry restrictions.
Age: 57 | Grand Slam titles: 6 | World No. 1 weeks: 12 | Bankruptcy declared: 2017 | Prison sentence: 30 months (served 8) | Hall of Fame: 2003
Rise to Fame
Post-Retirement Career
- Tennis commentator for BBC/Eurosport – BBC News
- Head coach to Novak Djokovic (2013-2016) – Wikipedia
- Author and podcast host – Wikipedia
Legal and Financial Issues
Personal Life
- Married twice (Barbara, Lilly) – Wikipedia
- Four children (Noah, Anna, Amadeus, plus one) – Wikipedia
- Resident in London since 2000s – Wikipedia
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Full name | Boris Franz Becker |
| Date of birth | November 22, 1967 |
| Height | 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m) |
| Turned pro | 1984 |
| Retired | 1999 |
| Career prize money | $25 million (approx.) |
| Current net worth (est.) | £5-10 million |
| Prison sentence | 30 months (served 8 months, April-Dec 2022) |
Why was Boris Becker jailed?
The bankruptcy offenses
Becker was declared bankrupt in the UK on 21 June 2017 after failing to pay a £4.5 million loan from a private bank. Investigations later revealed he had hidden about £2.5 million in assets and loans to avoid paying creditors, according to BBC News.
“You have failed to hand over assets and debts, and you knew what you were doing,” said Judge Deborah Taylor at Southwark Crown Court.
Trial and sentencing
Becker faced 24 charges under the Insolvency Act 1986. On 8 April 2022, he was convicted of four offences: failing to disclose assets, concealing property, and removing property valued at over £1 million. He was acquitted on 20 other counts, as reported by Eversheds Sutherland. On 29 April 2022, he was sentenced to 30 months in prison. The maximum possible sentence was seven years, according to WHYY. Becker served eight months and was released on 15 December 2022, then deported to Germany.
The catch: Becker’s prison sentence did not erase his criminal record, and the bankruptcy discharge in 2024 left his UK entry status uncertain.
What does Boris Becker do for a living now?
Commentary and media work
Since his release, Becker has returned to tennis commentary for BBC and Eurosport, though his opportunities are limited by his inability to enter the UK freely. He also hosts “The Boris Becker Podcast” and published an autobiography, “Das Leben ist kein Spiel” (English: The Game of Life).
Tennis coaching roles
Becker served as head coach for Novak Djokovic from 2013 to 2016, during which Djokovic won six Grand Slam titles. Djokovic once said, “He was a great coach and a great man,” according to a BBC News press conference. No new coaching contracts have been announced since prison.
“I have lost everything, but I am not a victim,” Becker told the BBC in a 2023 interview.
His current net worth is uncertain because most of his remaining assets are tied up in memorabilia and media contracts that are not publicly disclosed.
How rich is Boris Becker now?
Net worth after bankruptcy
Before his financial collapse, Becker earned an estimated $150 million from prize money, endorsements, and coaching. Today, estimates place his net worth between £5 million and £10 million. The bankruptcy order was discharged in 2024 after a judge ruled he had done everything he reasonably could to satisfy creditors, per CBC News. However, he still owes more than £50 million in total debts, according to the same report.
Recent financial discharge
The 2024 bankruptcy discharge does not remove his criminal conviction. It also does not guarantee he can return to the UK. A Darwin Gray legal commentary noted that Becker entered a settlement agreement with trustees before discharge, and that he could theoretically return from October 2024 onward, but conflicting reports remain.
What this means: Becker’s financial slate is partially clean, but his ability to move freely and earn in the UK is still blocked by the Home Office.
Who are Boris Becker’s children?
Noah Becker
Noah Becker (born 1994) is a model and musician from Becker’s first marriage to Barbara Becker. He has appeared in fashion campaigns and maintains a public profile.
Anna Ermakova
Anna Ermakova (born 2000) is the daughter of Becker and Angela Ermakova, a Russian model. She became a public figure after a paternity dispute and later pursued a career in modeling.
Other children
Becker has two sons with his second wife, Sharlely “Lilly” Kerssenberg: Amadeus (born 2010) and a younger son whose name is not publicly confirmed. All four children are listed on Wikipedia.
What happened to Boris Becker’s tennis career?
Youngest Wimbledon champion
Becker won Wimbledon at age 17 in 1985, becoming the youngest male champion in history. He won the tournament again in 1986 and 1989. His aggressive serve-and-volley style defined an era.
Grand slam record
In total, Becker won 6 Grand Slam singles titles: 3 Wimbledon, 2 Australian Open, and 1 US Open. He also won 49 ATP singles titles and reached world No. 1 in 1991. He retired in 1999 after a 15-year career, as detailed by the ATP Tour.
“He was a great coach and a great man,” Novak Djokovic said of Becker’s influence during his coaching tenure.
The pattern: Becker’s tennis brilliance was followed by a spectacular financial fall, yet his legacy on the court remains intact.
Timeline of key events
- 1985 – Wins Wimbledon at age 17, youngest male champion – Wikipedia
- 1991 – Becomes world No. 1 in men’s singles – Wikipedia
- 1999 – Retires from professional tennis – Wikipedia
- 2003 – Inducted into International Tennis Hall of Fame – Wikipedia
- 2013-2016 – Serves as head coach for Novak Djokovic – Wikipedia
- 2017 – Declared bankrupt in UK court – BBC News
- April 2022 – Found guilty of four charges under Insolvency Act, sentenced to 30 months – BBC News
- December 2022 – Released from prison after serving 8 months – Wikipedia
- 2024 – Bankruptcy order discharged by UK judge – CBC News
Also read: Andy Murray and James Packer.
mirror.co.uk, standard.co.uk, podcasts.apple.com, mooreks.co.uk, atptour.com, facebook.com
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Boris Becker jailed?
Becker was jailed for failing to disclose assets worth about £2.5 million during his bankruptcy proceedings. He was convicted of four charges under the Insolvency Act 1986 and sentenced to 30 months in prison.
How long did Boris Becker serve in prison?
He served 8 months of his 30-month sentence, being released in December 2022 and deported to Germany.
Does Boris Becker still owe money after bankruptcy discharge?
Yes, while the bankruptcy order was discharged in 2024, he still owes more than £50 million in total debts, according to CBC News. The discharge only removes the legal restrictions of bankruptcy.
What is Boris Becker doing now?
He works as a tennis commentator for BBC and Eurosport, hosts a podcast, and has written an autobiography. He is also seeking to return to the UK for Wimbledon commentary.
How many children does Boris Becker have?
He has four children: Noah (born 1994), Anna (born 2000), Amadeus (born 2010), and a younger son from his second marriage.
Who is Boris Becker’s current wife?
His current wife is Sharlely “Lilly” Kerssenberg, whom he married in 2021. They have two sons together.
How many Grand Slam titles did Boris Becker win?
He won 6 Grand Slam singles titles: 3 Wimbledon, 2 Australian Open, and 1 US Open.
Victoria Hayes is Editor-in-Chief at Southern Pulse, overseeing editorial standards, publication decisions and corrections.