Boris Becker Discharged from Bankruptcy Court in London
German tennis legend Boris Becker has been discharged from bankruptcy court in London after a judge recognized his efforts to repay his creditors. Despite falling short of repaying nearly 50 million pounds, Chief Insolvency and Companies Court Judge Nicholas Briggs commended Becker for doing ‘all that he reasonably could do.’
Briggs stated, “On the spectrum of bankrupts…Mr. Becker clearly falls on the right side of the line.” Becker, 56, was deported to Germany two years ago after serving time in a London prison for financial misconduct following his bankruptcy declaration in 2017.
The former world No. 1 player was convicted on charges including removal of property and concealing debt, but acquitted on others, such as failing to hand over trophies and his Olympic gold medal. Becker, who won multiple Grand Slam titles during his career, attributed his financial woes to laziness and bad advice.
His lawyer, Louis Doyle, revealed that a settlement had been reached with the trustees, including a “substantial sum” Becker must pay. Doyle emphasized that Becker had done everything possible to resolve the situation.
Becker’s rise to stardom in 1985 as a Wimbledon champion at just 17 years old captivated the tennis world. Despite his legal troubles, Becker’s legacy as a tennis icon remains intact. His journey from the pinnacle of the sport to financial turmoil and eventual redemption serves as a cautionary tale for athletes and celebrities alike.