Earlier this month, 54-year-old Becker, a former world No. 1 and three-time Wimbledon champion, was found guilty of four offenses related to his bankruptcy, including failing to disclose, conceal and remove significant assets, bankruptcy service called.
During the sentencing hearing at London’s Crown Court in Southwark, Becker, supported by his partner Lilian de Carvalho Monteiro, wore a gray suit, white shirt and striped tie in the Wimbledon colors green and purple.
Judge Deborah Taylor, who announced the sentence, said the former tennis player would serve half of her sentence.
“I consider what has been described as your original sin. You lost your career and reputation and all your assets as a result of your bankruptcy,” the judge said, according to the Press Association (PA).
“You have shown no remorse, accepted your guilt and tried to distance yourself from your offense and your bankruptcy.
“While I accept your humiliation as part of the proceedings, there was no humiliation.”
READ: Novak Djokovic defends Wimbledon title as organizers allow unvaccinated players to compete
Becker was declared bankrupt in June 2017, meaning he was legally required to disclose all of his assets.
The assets he concealed included €426,930.90 (about $450,000) that was transferred to several third parties, a property in Leiman, Germany, and 75,000 shares of Breaking Data Corp., according to the bankruptcy service.
Becker “has been selective in disclosing his assets. When it suited him, he made full disclosure; if it didn’t suit him, he didn’t do it,” prosecutor Rebecca Chalkley, who asked the judge to impose a custodial sentence, told Reuters.
She accused Becker of “maliciously playing the system” by withholding and transferring assets and withholding more than £2million ($2.51million) in assets from creditors.
“Today’s ruling confirms that Boris Becker failed to comply with his legal obligation to file significant assets in his bankruptcy,” said Dean Beale, chief executive of the bankruptcy service.
“This conviction serves as a stark warning to those who believe they can hide their wealth and get away with it. You will be investigated and prosecuted.”
Becker made tennis history by winning Wimbledon in 1985 at the age of 17 and winning five more Grand Slam titles over the next 11 years.
Since retiring from the sport, he has remained active in the tennis world, most notably coaching Novak Djokovic and through frequent media appearances as a commentator and pundit.
According to the PA, Becker’s lawyer, Jonathan Laidlaw, told the court that “the proceedings have completely destroyed his career and ruined any further prospect of an income”.
“His reputation is ruined,” added Laidlaw. “He will be unable to find work and will depend on the charity of others if he is to survive.”