Tennis legend Boris Becker reports emotionally about his time in prison.
After 231 days in British custody, world star Boris Becker is on the big TV stage. During his first public appearance, the German tennis star was repeatedly emotional. Externally visibly changed, the former exceptional athlete, repeatedly interrupted by moments of emotion, told Sat.1 of life-threatening situations, very personal moments with his partner and a new spiritual path.
Presenter Steven Gätjen made it clear right from the start that Sat.1 had paid the three-time Wimbledon winner money for the interview. Becker was sentenced to two and a half years in prison at the end of April because he concealed assets worth millions from his insolvency administrator, which he now freely admitted. Now Becker needs money to start a new life. After being deported, he will not be able to return to his adopted home of London for a long time. The fact that he was released after just seven and a half months is not a celebrity bonus, but is due to a special rule for foreign prisoners.
Becker spoke with respect about his experiences behind bars. Again and again he emphasizes his good contacts to some other prisoners – and it was they who rushed to help him in some difficult situations. Dirty cells and death threats – “I really had a so-called altercation (violent argument) with a prisoner who wanted to kill me” – on the one hand. On the other hand, good luck with friendly prisoners, plus jobs as a teacher of English and math and as a fitness coach.
“I was just a number”
Once it was a big deal, but in prison it was only called A2923EV, as Becker reported. He has experienced a lot in a world that is foreign to him – and shares his experiences extensively. Again and again he sipped from a glass, according to Sat.1 a sugar-free energy drink.
In one of his minute-long monologues, Becker said he had found his way to stoicism. For around 140 minutes, including commercial breaks, Becker reported that he had turned his life upside down. This is reminiscent of the title of the magazine “Stern”, which gave Becker an exclusive interview at the end of 2001: “I’ve learned my lesson.”
Externally, Becker’s change was obvious. He looked significantly slimmer, his hair a little darker than before, and he wore a black shirt under his black jacket. “Of course I lost a lot of weight,” he said. “I went to prison with 97 kilos and then had almost 90 kilos.” Becker added: “I felt hungry for the first time in my life, so I went to bed hungry. I thought that at the age of 54 I had already experienced everything, but this was new.” In prison he did not drink alcohol, smoked and ate very little for weeks or maybe months.
“I’ve made mistakes for years”
Becker had been celebrated for years, a sports idol like very few. But in the years before his imprisonment, he was often smiled at, mainly because of his unfortunate private life and especially in Germany. Now he seems composed, almost spiritual. “I made mistakes over the years, had the wrong friends, wasn’t organized enough,” he said. In prison he had time to think and through stoicism he rediscovered qualities that he had as a tennis player – such as discipline and presence at the moment. “This prison stay brought me back,” said Becker. He has now been given a second chance and it is up to him to continue on this path.
Becker was cautious about his future. He does not want to live in Germany because his privacy is not guaranteed there. He liked living in Miami. “I’m also a fan of Dubai,” said Becker. “I have ideas, but I’ve become cautious about what I say about the future.” Becker emphasized: “I’m happy, I’m motivated, I have to work.”
“By her love I survived”
The 55-year-old clearly showed his love for partner Lilian De Carvalho Monteiro and his four children. The relationship with his older children Noah, Elias and Anna, with whom he often spoke on the phone, became closer during his imprisonment. Again and again, when it comes to his loved ones, Becker has to pause in tears.
His partner Lilian, who had her birthday on the day of his conviction – April 29 – always stood by him. “I didn’t have a moment when I felt like something was breaking up or she was losing patience or desire or love,” said Becker. “It was through her love that I survived.” Whether he wanted to marry her – Lilian had forbidden him such details from private life. But he hopes that he will stay with her “forever and ever”. When asked about other children, he elicited: “I hope there will be a few more.”
