Bankrupt Boris Becker proudly showcases his new fashion line in Germany... as he nears divorce settlement with ex-wife Lilly
Boris Becker showcased items from his clothing line in Düsseldorf, Germany, on Friday, as he launches a new venture amid his devastating bankruptcy.
The 52-year-old tennis ace unveiled the range of apparel - which includes T-shirts, jackets, footwear, and bags - as he banked on success in a completely new realm.
Cutting a dapper figure in a black suit with a powder blue shirt, the sports legend appeared to be banking on success, as his divorce from ex Lilly nears its end.
New venture: Boris Becker showcased items from his clothing line in Düsseldorf, Germany, on Friday, as he launches a new venture amid his devastating bankruptcy
Becker, who live under bankruptcy restrictions until 2031, has been locking in a bitter divorce battle with 44-year-old Lilly since the pair announced their split in 2018.
And, as their fight comes to its imminent conclusion, it has been estimated the settlement could prove decidedly costly for German Becker.
When his first wife Barbara Feltus demanded a divorce back in 2000, the star was forced to cough up £11million in cash, plus their home in Miami and an additional £2million in legal fees.
Ex: His new line has been launched as his divorce from second wife Lilly nears its conclusion
It has been estimated that his divorce from Lilly, who he wed in 2009 and with whom he shared 10-year-old son Amadeus, could cost him considerably more.
The former world number one has two other children: eldest son Noah, 26, from his marriage to Barbara, and daughter Anna Ermakova, 20, from his fling with Angela Ermakova, which ultimately led to their divorce.
At the height of his illustrious career, Becker is estimated to have amassed a £48million fortune in prize money and sponsorships, and it was claimed his net worth was just a whisper away from the £100million mark.
But late last year, it was revealed that Becker's bankruptcy has been extended by 12 years after authorities found he had hidden assets and transactions of £4.5million.
Squad: The legendary sportsman was joined by (L-R) Bernhard Josephs and Thomas Janssen
Apparel: The 52-year-old tennis ace unveiled the range of apparel - which includes T-shirts, jackets, footwear, and bags - as he banked on success in a completely new realm
Becker was supposed to have served just one year as a bankrupt, but he will now face restrictions until October 2031.
The three times Wimbledon champion and tennis commentator was told last October that the term was to be extended after it was discovered that he had not disclosed all his assets to the Official Receiver.
A statement from the Insolvency service said: 'The Official Receiver investigated undisclosed transactions occurring before and after the bankruptcy proceedings, totalling over £4.5million.
'Bankruptcy restrictions are usually lifted after a year but, owing to the nature of Boris Becker's actions, the Official Receiver pursued extended restrictions to prevent Mr Becker causing further harm to his creditors.
Passion: It was announced at the start of the year that the star would be venturing into fashion
Chat: The star also took some time out for a social distanced interview to promote the brand
'Mr Becker offered a Bankruptcy Restrictions Undertaking, which was accepted on October 17, 2019 and lasts until October 16, 2031.'
Anthony Hannon, Public Interest Official Receiver for the Insolvency Service, said: 'Bankrupts have a duty to fully cooperate with their trustee and where this has been frustrated, a bankruptcy restriction undertaking of commensurate length must reflect that conduct.'
Becker was made bankrupt in June 2017 after a failure to pay £3.3million to private banking firm Arbuthnot Latham.
At the time he claimed he had not been given sufficient time to sell some assets to repay the bank and branded the case a 'gravy train for the suits'.
He added: 'I will be coming after the people who forced this process through.'
Happier days: Becker is pictured with his now ex-wife Lilly during Oktoberfest 2017 in Munich
Split: Becker split from Lilly (together in Berlin in November 2010) after nine years of marriage
Becker works as an after-dinner speaker, with a starting price of £20,000, as well as a commentator for the BBC among others.
His earnings, however, have not been able to clear his debts, and last year he reluctantly put 82 items from his illustrious tennis career up for auction.
The items included a certificate commemorating his 1992 Olympics double win with Michael Stich and a watch given to him by Novak Djokovic.
Becker's online auction of his trophies and memorabilia in July raised more than £680,000, with his 1989 US Open trophy attracting the highest bid of £150,250.
The auction had been due in 2018 but was delayed after Becker claimed diplomatic immunity from bankruptcy proceedings by taking up a role with Central African Republic as a sports envoy.
Back in the day: Becker is seen with his son Noah and now ex-wife Lilly in London in June 2007
The restrictions mean Becker cannot borrow more than £500 without telling the lender that he is bankrupt, he can't be a company director and he can't play a part in running a company without the permission of a court.
Becker, who won six Grand Slam singles titles in his career, was made bankrupt on June 21, 2017 in London's High Court.
Becker's abandoned Mallorcan mansion is on the market for £9million - but a German squatter who lives there said last winter that no one will pay for it.
The once-majestic home features stables, an outdoor swimming pool, four guest houses, a helicopter pad and a tennis court made from parts of Wimbledon furniture.
Property brochures still list the mansion for sale with idyllic photos of it, but the villa and grounds have become dilapidated and the tennis court is in a state of disrepair.
Sporting legend: Becker is a tennis legend, who is though to have amassed a £48million fortune in prize money and sponsorships at the height of his career. Pictured in 1985