Introduction
Boris Becker, the German tennis player, rose to fame at 17 years old in 1985, becoming the youngest Wimbledon winner and marking the start of a remarkable career. Known for his strong serve and intense play, he won six Grand Slam singles titles, an Olympic gold medal in doubles, and secured 49 trophies, showcasing his athletic excellence. His ventures into business and the media further expanded his global recognition and net worth
.However, Becker’s spectacular rise was followed by an extreme fall, culminating in bankruptcy in 2017 at age 54. The Apple TV + documentary, Boom! Boom! The World Vs Boris Becker, captures his transformation from a high-rolling playboy with an estimated $200 million fortune to a prison inmate, detailing his life’s turbulence just before his sentencing for hiding assets and illicitly transferring money.
What Is Net Worth?
Boris Becker amassed a substantial fortune through tournament wins, endorsements, and activities like poker. He partnered with multimillion-dollar brands such as Estusa, Puma, and Fila, earning $25,080,956 in prize money during his career. His fame peaked after his Wimbledon victory in 1985, which cemented his status as a tennis legend. At one point, his net worth reached $10 million, with deals from brands like Coca-Cola, Ralph Lauren, and Mercedes boosting his income.
Financial challenges later took a toll on his assets, reducing his estimated net worth to $200,000. Despite this, Becker remains a legendary personality, celebrated for his Grand Slam victories, his role in coaching Novak Djokovic to six titles starting in 2013, and his resilience in navigating financial difficulties.
Early Life
Boris Franz Becker was born on November 22, 1967, in Leimen, West Germany, to a sports-loving family. His father, Karl-Heinz, a builder, established a tennis center, where Becker developed his skills from a young age, laying the foundation for his future success. His mother, Elvira, supported his journey, and Becker balanced academics with improving his game while attending the Helmholtz-Gymnasium in Heidelberg.
The strong foundation of his upbringing prepared Becker for a career that would make him a household name. Moments like attending the 2019 Radio Regenbogen Awards with his mother underscore the close family ties that supported him during his rise.
Career
Becker made history in 1985, becoming the youngest to win the Wimbledon men’s singles title, defeating Kevin Curren in a dramatic four-set final. This was his first Grand Slam victory, setting a record that stood for 227 days. Over his career, he secured 49 singles titles and 15 doubles titles, earning a place among the greatest tennis players in history.
Beyond his competitive career, Becker transitioned into coaching and media. In 2013, he began coaching Novak Djokovic, helping him win six Grand Slam titles. He also worked as a commentator for networks like BBC, where his clear vision and magnetic charisma further solidified his influence in the tennis world.
Personal Life
Boris Becker’s personal life has often been under public scrutiny. He married model Barb Feltus in 1993, and by 1994, the couple celebrated milestones before separating in 2000. Their disputes over a prenuptial agreement spared Becker from paying an early settlement of $2.5 million. Becker also faced financial burdens following a fling in a London nightclub in 1999 with Russian model Angela Ermakova, which resulted in a child.
His personal challenges were compounded by accusations of tax evasion and unprofitable ventures, further straining his finances. Despite these struggles, Becker’s resilience has remained evident, allowing him to navigate both public and private battles with determination.
Financial Troubles and Bankruptcy
In 2017, Becker faced bankruptcy proceedings initiated by a British court over an unpaid loan tied to his Mallorca estate. Reports revealed debts of $14 million to Arbuthnot Latham, a private bank, alongside claims of an additional $41 million from his business adviser Hans-Dieter Cleven. Becker’s financial woes were exacerbated by legal disputes and large payouts to Barbara and Angela Ermakova.
In June 2018, Becker controversially declared diplomatic immunity, citing a diplomat appointment for the Central African Republic (CAR). This claim was later revealed as fraudulent, tied to a stolen passport. By 2020, Becker faced criminal charges for hiding Wimbledon trophies and failing to disclose transactions worth £4.5 million, marking a stark contrast to his once-illustrious career.
Real Estate
In the 1990s, Becker purchased a 60-acre estate in Mallorca, featuring luxurious amenities like 12 bedrooms, a gym, and a tennis court, valued at 9.4 million pounds. However, by 2007, the property was listed for 13 million pounds to pay off debts.
By 2018, the abandoned property was overrun by squatters, who caused extensive damage and stole expensive furniture. After allegations of filming inappropriate content on the premises, the squatters were evicted in 2020. Later that year, Becker handed over the villa to Arbuthnot Latham to settle his debt, marking the end of his connection to this troubled estate.
FAQ Section
1. What is Boris Becker’s current net worth?
Boris Becker’s current net worth is estimated to be around $200,000. Once at his peak, his wealth was reported to be $10 million, but financial struggles and legal issues significantly reduced his assets.
2. Why did Boris Becker go bankrupt?
Boris Becker declared bankruptcy in 2017 due to an unpaid loan tied to his Mallorca estate. He owed $14 million to Arbuthnot Latham, a private bank, alongside other debts, including claims from his business adviser.
3. What are Boris Becker’s most significant achievements in tennis?
Boris Becker made history in 1985 as the youngest winner of the Wimbledon men’s singles title at 17 years old. Over his career, he won six Grand Slam titles, an Olympic gold medal, and a total of 49 singles and 15 doubles titles.
4. Who did Boris Becker coach after retiring?
After retiring, Boris Becker became a successful coach. His most notable coaching stint was with Novak Djokovic, helping him win six Grand Slam titles from 2013 onwards.
5. What happened to Boris Becker’s Mallorca estate?
Boris Becker purchased the 60-acre estate in the 1990s. By 2007, it was listed for 13 million pounds to pay off debts but became overrun by squatters in 2018, causing severe damage. In 2020, he handed the estate over to Arbuthnot Latham to settle his debt.
Main Sources:
- https://www.foxsports.com.au/tennis/how-boris-becker-blew-185m-fortune-in-spectacular-fall-from-grace/news-story/ce74fa0c20d067a826d0dd46f8c78292
- https://sportsbrief.com/tennis/50554-boris-beckers-net-worth-how-world-tennis-player-worth-currently
- https://www.celebritynetworth.com/richest-athletes/richest-tennis/boris-becker-net-worth/
