Boris Becker has been declared bankrupt at a High Court hearing on Wednesday. The three-time Wimbledon champion reportedly failed to pay long-standing debts, with his lawyers allegedly pleading with a Bankruptcy Court registrar for a "last chance" - but his plea was rejected. According to reports, Miss Registrar Christine Derrett - who recalled watching the tennis ace, said it was "with regret" she had concluded there was a lack of credible evidence that his "substantial" debt would be paid soon. She also refused to adjourn the case for an extra 28 days.
Tennis ace Boris Becker has been declared bankrupt
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"In these circumstances, and with a degree of regret, I'm afraid that I do not agree to the request for an adjournment," the judge said, reports MailOnline. "I am therefore satisfied that the necessary papers are in order and I make this bankruptcy order." During the hearing, she added: "One has the impression of a man rather burying his head in the sand." Boris' barrister, John Briggs, had told the court that his client is "not a sophisticated person when it comes to finances".
The tennis champion has won Wimbledon three times
Boris said in a statement: "I was surprised and disappointed that Arbuthnot Latham chose to bring these proceedings against me. This order relates to one disputed loan which I was due to repay in full in one month's time. It is disappointing that my request for today’s hearing to be postponed until this time was refused. My earnings are well publicised and it is clear that I have the means to repay this debt. The value of the asset in question far exceeds the debt owed to Arbuthnot Latham. I intend to make an application to have this order set aside immediately. In the meantime, I will concentrate on my work and in particular my presenting duties at Wimbledon for the BBC and other international outlets."
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Boris, who was once worth £27million, first hit the headlines back in 1985 when he became the youngest player to win Wimbledon at 17. The 49-year-old star then went on win six grand slams and then act as coach to former World No.1 Novak Djokovic. In 2015, Boris opened up about his love for Wimbledon in a candid interview with HELLO! Magazine. "I very much feel Wimbledon is home," he shared. "It was always my emotional home, my sporting heritage. It was here I played my best and won my most important matches."