Boris Becker was once the face of tennis—a red-headed teenager from West Germany who stormed Wimbledon and became the youngest male champion in history. Decades later, his name is just as likely to appear in financial news as in sports headlines. A fall into bankruptcy, a prison sentence in the United Kingdom, and a quiet return to Germany have reshaped the narrative around him. In 2025, Becker is no longer a top-ranked player but a commentator, podcast host, and public figure reflecting on a life of extreme highs and devastating lows.
Born in Leimen on November 22, 1967, Becker turned professional at 16 and shot to global fame at 17. His six Grand Slam titles, Olympic gold medal in doubles, and two Davis Cup wins cemented his place among the sport’s elite. Yet off the court, costly divorces, business setbacks, and legal troubles eroded the fortune he built. Today, he lives in Germany, works in media, and speaks openly about the emotional toll of fame and the discipline required to rebuild.
This article brings together verified facts about Becker’s current whereabouts, his family, his financial history, his physical stats, and the landmark achievements that defined his career. It also addresses what remains uncertain—particularly around his net worth and personal relationships—based on available public records and credible sources.
What Is Boris Becker Doing Now in 2025?
Since his release from prison in December 2022 and deportation to Germany, Boris Becker has maintained a presence in tennis media and digital content. He works as a regular commentator for the BBC at Wimbledon and appears on a British TV sports show. In 2024, he launched a podcast called Becker Petkovic, co-hosted with former tennis player Andrea Petkovic, where he discusses the sport and his personal journey.
Grand Slams
6 titles (3 Wimbledon, 2 Australian Open, 1 US Open)
Born
22 November 1967
Estimated Net Worth
$1–2 million (2025 estimate, depleted after bankruptcy)
Current Status
Living in Germany, active as commentator and podcast host
Key Insights at a Glance
- Becker’s net worth collapsed from an estimated $50 million at his peak to less than $2 million after bankruptcy and prison, according to court documents and financial reports.
- His 17-year-old Wimbledon victory in 1985 remains one of the most iconic moments in tennis history, as recorded in historical tennis archives.
- He served 8 months of a 2.5-year sentence in the UK for concealing assets and was released and deported to Germany in December 2022, per BBC News and UK government records.
- Becker has four children with three different women: Noah, Elias, Amadeus, and a daughter from a relationship with Angela Ermakova, according to multiple biographical sources.
Snapshot Facts
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Boris Franz Becker |
| Nationality | German |
| Date of Birth | 22 November 1967 (age 57) |
| Height | 1.91 m (6 ft 3 in) |
| Playing Career | 1984–1999 |
| Career Prize Money | $25.1 million |
| World No. 1 | Yes (1991, 12 weeks) |
| Spouse(s) | Barbara Feltus (1993–2001), Lilly Kerssenberg (2009–2018) |
| Children | Noah (1994), Elias (1999), Amadeus (2010), plus one child with Angela Ermakova (2000) |
| Notable Legal Issues | Bankruptcy (2017), prison sentence for asset concealment (2022) |
| Current Occupation | Tennis commentator, podcast host (Becker Petkovic), author |
Beyond media work, Becker also maintains a YouTube channel where he publishes interviews and personal reflections. In one video titled “Tennis Legend Boris Becker on the REAL Story,” he discusses his mindset during his prime, the mental toll of fame, and his efforts to rebuild after setbacks. He has spoken candidly about the importance of health, discipline, and finding purpose beyond winning.
Who Are Boris Becker’s Wife and Children?
Becker has been married twice and has four children from three relationships. His family life has been a frequent topic in the media, shaped by high-profile divorces and paternity disputes.
First Marriage: Barbara Feltus
Becker married Barbara Feltus, the daughter of an African-American serviceman and a German mother, on December 17, 1993. The couple had two sons: Noah, born January 18, 1994, and Elias, born September 4, 1999. The marriage ended in divorce in 2001. During the separation, Barbara moved with the children to Florida and reportedly sought a single payment of $2.5 million, disregarding the couple’s prenuptial agreement, according to biographical records.
Second Marriage: Lilly Kerssenberg
Becker married Dutch model Lilly Kerssenberg in 2009. The couple had a son named Amadeus in 2010. They divorced in 2018. Since the separation, Becker has not publicly named a new partner, and his current relationship status is not officially confirmed.
Child with Angela Ermakova
In 1999, Becker fathered a daughter, Anna, with Russian-African model Angela Ermakova following an encounter at a London restaurant. Becker initially denied paternity but later confirmed it through a DNA test. He paid a settlement of approximately $5 million in 2001, according to biographical sources.
Boris Becker has four known children with three different women: Noah (born 1994), Elias (1999), a daughter with Angela Ermakova (2000), and Amadeus (2010). The financial and emotional toll of these relationships—particularly his divorce from Barbara Feltus and the paternity settlement—contributed to the financial strain that preceded his 2017 bankruptcy filing.
Becker’s autobiography, Boris Becker: The Player (2004), details his struggles with alcohol and drug addiction, which he has linked to the pressures of his personal life and the collapse of his first marriage.
What Is Boris Becker’s Net Worth and How Did He Build It?
Becker earned $25,080,956 in prize money during his playing career, ranking third in men’s tennis at the time behind Pete Sampras and Andre Agassi, according to his ATP Tour profile and Hall of Fame records. At his peak, his total net worth—including endorsements and business ventures—was estimated at around $50 million. By 2025, that figure has dropped to an estimated $1–2 million, following bankruptcy, legal settlements, and asset seizures.
Business Ventures and Brand Partnerships
Becker invested in several businesses during and after his playing career. He owned 50% of the tennis racquet company Völkl, collaborated with watchmakers, and owned multiple Mercedes-Benz dealerships while doing promotional work for the brand. He was also involved in a clothing line and a TV production company, though many of these ventures eventually failed or were sold off.
The term “Boris Becker brand” is often used to describe the personal prestige and endorsement power he built from his tennis success. He had major sponsorships with Puma and Rolex, among others. However, the collapse of his finances has significantly reduced his marketability, and his current endorsement portfolio is limited compared to his peak.
Bankruptcy and Prison
Becker filed for bankruptcy in England on June 21, 2017, declaring himself insolvent. Creditors, including a British bank, claimed debts totaling around £10 million. Becker has stated that he repaid the full amount by 2020. However, the bankruptcy proceedings revealed that he had concealed assets, including shares in an internet company and a mortgage on a property in Germany.
In April 2022, a UK court found him guilty of four counts of concealing assets: taking money from his company account, failing to declare his house in Germany, failing to declare a mortgage, and failing to declare shares in an internet company. He was sentenced to two years and six months in prison. BBC News reported on the sentencing and the details of the case. He served eight months and was released in December 2022, after which he was deported to Germany.
Boris Becker’s current net worth is not publicly confirmed with precision. Estimates vary widely due to limited financial disclosures since his release from prison. Court records from the bankruptcy case indicate that the bulk of his wealth was wiped out by debts, legal fees, and asset confiscation. His known income sources in 2025 are media work and his podcast, but no official figure for his total assets has been published.
Becker was also convicted of tax evasion in Germany in 2002, receiving a two-year suspended sentence and a fine. That case foreshadowed the financial and legal troubles that would escalate in the following decades.
How Tall Is Boris Becker and What Are His Key Personal Stats?
Boris Becker stands at 1.91 m (6 ft 3 in) tall. During his playing career, he weighed approximately 85 kg (187 lbs). He was born on November 22, 1967, in Leimen, West Germany, near Heidelberg. He turned professional in 1984 at the age of 16 and retired from professional tennis in 1999 at age 31.
His height and powerful build were central to his playing style. He was known for a big serve, aggressive net play, and remarkable athleticism for a player of his stature. These physical attributes helped him win three Wimbledon titles—a tournament historically suited to taller, serve-oriented players.
Why Is Boris Becker Associated with the Number 17?
The number 17 marks the age at which Boris Becker became the youngest-ever winner of the men’s singles Wimbledon title. On July 7, 1985, at 17 years, 7 months, and 15 days old, he defeated Kevin Curren in the final. He was the first unseeded player and the first German to win the championship, according to the International Tennis Hall of Fame and Britannica.
That victory transformed Becker overnight. He became a global celebrity, a symbol of German sporting prowess, and the face of a new generation in tennis. He defended his Wimbledon title in 1986 and won a third in 1989, adding the US Open that same year. Later in his career, he added two Australian Open titles (1991 and 1996). His six Grand Slam singles titles remain among the highest totals in men’s tennis history.
What Key Events Shaped Boris Becker’s Life and Career?
- : Born in Leimen, West Germany.
- : Wins Wimbledon at age 17, becomes youngest male champion.
- : Wins second Wimbledon and US Open.
- : Reaches world No. 1 ranking.
- : Retires from professional tennis.
- : Convicted of tax evasion in Germany; receives suspended sentence.
- : Coaches Novak Djokovic.
- : Declared bankrupt by a UK court.
- : Sentenced to 2.5 years in prison for hiding assets; released after 8 months and deported to Germany.
- : Launches “Becker Petkovic” podcast; returns to Wimbledon as commentator and spectator.
- : Lives in Berlin, active in media and tennis events.
For more on athletes who faced major career transitions, read about Jackie Stewart – The Flying Scot Who Transformed F1 Safety, a story of reinvention after a high-pressure career.
What Is Known and What Remains Uncertain About Boris Becker’s Current Situation?
| Established Information | Information That Remains Unclear |
|---|---|
| Becker lives in Germany and works as a commentator and podcast host. | His exact current net worth is not publicly confirmed; estimates vary widely. |
| He served 8 months in a UK prison for concealing assets in his bankruptcy case. | His current relationship status is not officially confirmed; he has not publicly named a partner since his divorce from Lilly Kerssenberg. |
| He has four children: Noah, Elias, Amadeus, and a daughter with Angela Ermakova. | His long-term financial recovery trajectory is unclear, as legal restrictions may limit major sponsorship or business opportunities. |
What Is the Full Story Behind Boris Becker’s Rise, Fall, and Rebuilding?
Boris Becker’s career is a tale of extraordinary success on court and dramatic financial and legal troubles off it. His rise as a teenage Wimbledon champion revolutionized tennis in Germany and made him a global star. However, mismanagement of his earnings, costly divorces, and a series of business failures led to bankruptcy. His 2022 imprisonment for hiding assets from creditors marked a stark fall from grace. Since his release, he has rebuilt a public persona as a commentator and podcast host, but questions remain about his long-term financial recovery and personal stability.
Becker has acknowledged the mental and emotional toll of his journey. In interviews following his release, he has spoken about the importance of discipline, health, and finding passion beyond winning. His Wikipedia profile and official biographies document both his tennis achievements and his legal history, providing a comprehensive record of a life lived in the spotlight.
For a comparison with another sports figure navigating wealth and reputation, see Andrey Rublev – Age, Height, Ranking & Net Worth, a profile of a contemporary tennis star managing a very different career arc.
What Have Others Said About Boris Becker?
“I didn’t think I would end up in prison. I was naive.”
— Boris Becker in a 2023 interview with The Times
“He’s one of the greatest competitors I’ve ever seen. His will to win was unmatched.”
— John McEnroe, Hall of Fame inductee speech
“Bankruptcy is not a crime in itself, but hiding assets is.”
— Judge Deborah Taylor during sentencing (2022)
What Is Boris Becker’s Current Status and What Lies Ahead?
Boris Becker is expected to continue his media work, including the “Becker Petkovic” podcast and TV commentary for major tournaments. He may release a follow-up book to his 2004 memoir The Player. Legal restrictions from his bankruptcy may limit his ability to secure major sponsorships or launch large-scale business ventures. He remains a popular figure in Germany and among tennis fans globally, and his story—of triumph, failure, and gradual rebuilding—continues to resonate.
Frequently Asked Questions About Boris Becker
How tall is Boris Becker?
Boris Becker is 1.91 m (6 ft 3 in) tall. He weighed around 85 kg (187 lbs) during his playing career.
Does Boris Becker have a YouTube channel?
Yes, Boris Becker has an official YouTube channel where he posts highlights, interviews, and clips from his podcast. The handle is @borisbecker.
What is Boris Becker’s brand?
The term “Boris Becker brand” usually refers to his personal brand built on tennis prestige. He has had endorsements with Puma, Rolex, and others. He also launched a clothing line and a TV production company, but many ventures failed.
What happened to Boris Becker’s first wife?
He married Barbara Feltus in 1993 and they divorced in 2001. She is a German actress. They have two sons, Noah and Elias.
How many children does Boris Becker have?
He has four children: Noah (born 1994), Elias (1999), Amadeus (2010), and an illegitimate daughter born in 2000 to Angela Ermakova.
What was Boris Becker’s biggest tennis achievement?
Winning Wimbledon at age 17 in 1985 as an unseeded player, becoming the youngest male champion in the tournament’s history.
Why did Boris Becker go to prison?
He was found guilty of concealing assets during his bankruptcy proceedings, including hiding a house, a mortgage, and shares in an internet company.
Does Boris Becker still commentate at Wimbledon?
Yes, he works as a regular BBC commentator at Wimbledon and continues to appear on British TV sports shows.
Where does Boris Becker live now?
He lives in Germany, primarily in Berlin, after being deported there following his release from prison in December 2022.
What is the name of Boris Becker’s podcast?
The podcast is called “Becker Petkovic,” which he co-hosts with former tennis player Andrea Petkovic.
Freddie Arthur Cooper Harrison is Editor-in-Chief of PopCulture UK, covering film, TV, music and celebrity news. He is accountable for the newsroom's editorial standards, and leads its sourcing and fact-checking process so that every article separates verified fact from rumour and is reviewed before publication.