Boris Becker blames bad publicity for money woes
TENNIS icon Boris Becker has told a jury that bad publicity damaged his personal brand, meaning he could not earn enough money to pay off his debts.
The six-time Grand Slam champion, 54, is accused of failing to hand over assets, including trophies and medals, after he was declared bankrupt in June 2017.
Yesterday Becker, sitting to give evidence due to ankle and knee injuries, told Southwark Crown Court in London his troubles resulted from a £3.85million loan from private bank Arbuthnot Latham in 2013 and £1.2million, with a 25 per cent interest rate, from tycoon John Caudwell the next year.
His estimated yearly earnings at that time were £2.5million but he claimed his “income fell at least 50 per cent” and he struggled to make repayments.
He said: “The first year of the loan, I would pay back roughly £800,000 but in the second year I had difficulties because companies didn’t prolong their contracts.
“My image wasn’t as good any more, brand Becker was not regarded as highly as before and they didn’t want to be associated with a brand criticised in the media.
“It is very difficult when you are bankrupt and in the headlines every week for it.
It is very difficult to make a lot of money with my name.”
The court heard the former world No 1 earned a “vast amount” from tennis, with £38million from prize money and sponsorship.
He also had property in his native Germany, Florida and Spain worth about £42million at the height of the property market.
But Becker, who worked as a BBC commentator, said his earnings “reduced dramatically” following his retirement in 1999.
He said he was involved in an “expensive divorce” with ex-wife Barbara in 2001, with high maintenance payments, and also had to support his daughter Anna Ermakova, 22, and her mother Angela.
Becker admitted to “expensive lifestyle commitments” but said “almost every aspect” of his life had been controlled by others during his playing career.
He said he trusts the judgment of advisers, adding: “I don’t have the patience to read all contracts I receive.”
Becker, who arrived at court with partner Lilian de Carvalho Monteiro, denies 24 charges under the Insolvency Act.
These include failing to hand over trophies, concealing property, failing to disclose estate, removal of property and concealing debt.
The trial continues.