Boris Becker declared bankrupt by British court!

• He said that he intends to challenge the ruling "immediately"

Boris Becker was declared bankrupt by a British court on Wednesday after the former tennis player failed to pay a long-standing debt.

A lawyer for the six-time Grand Slam champion pleaded with a Bankruptcy Court registrar in London for a last chance to pay a debt that Becker has owed to private bankers Arbuthnot Latham & Co. since 2015.

The registrar, Christine Derrett, said there was a lack of credible evidence that his debt would be paid soon. She refused to adjourn the case for another 28 days and announced a bankruptcy order.

"One has the impression of a man with his head in the sand," said the registrar, who said she watched Becker play on Centre Court at Wimbledon.The 49-year-old Becker, who was born in Germany and lives in London, recently coached Novak Djokovic and has been a TV commentator.

Becker took to Twitter later Wednesday, saying he was "surprised and disappointed" that proceedings had been brought against him and that it was "disappointing" that his request for a postponement had been refused.

He said that he intends to challenge the ruling "immediately."


Surprised and disappointed that Arbuthnot Latham choose to bring these proceedings against me !
This order relates to 1 disputed loan which- Boris Becker (@TheBorisBecker) June 21, 2017


I was due to repay in full in 1 month time !
It is disappointing that my requested for today's hearing to be postponed was refused !- Boris Becker (@TheBorisBecker) June 21, 2017


My earnings are well publicised and it was a clear that I have the means to repay this debt !
The value of the asset in question- Boris Becker (@TheBorisBecker) June 21, 2017


Far exceeds the debt owed to bank !
I intend to make application to have this order set aside immediately!
In the meantime,- Boris Becker (@TheBorisBecker) June 21, 2017


I will concentrate on my work and in particular my presenting duties at Wimbledon for the BBC and other international outlets !- Boris Becker (@TheBorisBecker) June 21, 2017

His lawyer, John Briggs, had argued there was sufficient evidence to show that Becker would be able to pay the debt through a refinancing arrangement, involving remortgaging a property in Mallorca, which was expected to raise 6 million euros ($6.7 million). Briggs said it was expected the deal would be approved by a Spanish bank in about one month.

Briggs also said Becker was "not a sophisticated individual when it comes to finances," and that bankruptcy was likely to have an adverse effect on Becker's image.

"He should have thought about that a long time ago," the registrar said.