Boris Becker family hail ‘best Christmas present ever’
The mother of Boris Becker is thrilled that she will be able to see her son for Christmas after the tennis star’s release from prison was announced.
Earlier this year, Becker had been sentenced to two and a half years in prison for concealing assets after being declared bankrupt in 2017.
Becker is set to be deported to Germany having served eight months of the 30 month sentence.
He will not be made to complete the sentence in Germany and will be released in time for Christmas.
The news sparked delight for Becker’s 87-year-old mother, Elvira.
“This is the best Christmas present I could hope for – I cannot wait to hold my beloved son in my arms,” Elvira is quoted as saying by a friend who spoke to reporters.
Another friend of the family opened up to reporters: “Elvira is simply overjoyed he is coming home.
“For her, having Boris out of prison and back home is the best thing imaginable – and for it to happen in time for Christmas will be great for her. She was worried about when she might see him again, so this is all a huge deal for her – especially given her age.”
Becker’s former manager Ion Tiriac is reportedly set to help him adjust to life back in Germany after his release.
Another friend of the family told reporters: “He wrote Boris a very touching letter shortly after he was jailed telling him to keep his head up, they said.
“They remain very close friends and if Ion can support him he will. Boris will need all the help he can get.”
In the immediate future, it appears unlikely that Becker will be allowed to return to the United Kingdom, where he had been living for a number of years.
Becker has very influential friends in tennis but it would also be a surprise if her was to land a commentary or punditry job in the near future.
He is reported to have been a model prisoner even helping other inmates get in shape with help training and also instruction in yoga and other techniques.
Becker coached Novak Djokovic for a handful of years and the two grew close.
Djokovic found Becker’s incarceration heartbreaking.
“I haven’t been communicating directly to him, but I’ve been communicating to him through them,” he said.
“I’ve just been trying to give support to people around him, his closest people, his family members, because I consider Boris really a family member, someone that I greatly appreciate, respect, and care about.
“We’ve been through a lot together during those three years of collaboration. Our relationship dates back even before that. Of course, after we finished our professional relationship, we always stayed close, him with my team, with my agents, with my family.”
