Boris Becker (58) has no ambitions whatsoever to ever return to Germany. The three-time Wimbledon champion now lives in Milan with his wife Lilian (36) and their daughter Zoe (seven months) - he can hardly imagine a life in his homeland anymore. In an interview with the British "Daily Telegraph", the former tennis star uses unusually blunt words about his relationship with his compatriots: "The Germans, with all due respect, consider me their property."
Becker became the youngest Wimbledon champion in history at 17 in 1985 and became a global star overnight. This early fame still resonates today - and apparently burdens his relationship with Germany. "It's as if they own me and even the 17-year-old. Therefore, the 58-year-old actually has no right to live, to have an opinion, to disagree, or to say no."
Milan is the new home
In Italy, he experiences the opposite. There, he feels less observed and freer in his daily life: "In Italy, I am not the property of the country. The people like me, they know me, and I hope they respect me. That makes my daily life much easier."
The path to Milan led through one of the darkest phases of his life. For years, Becker lived in Great Britain, where he also met his current, third wife. In 2022, he was sentenced there to two and a half years in prison for concealing assets in bankruptcy. After about eight months, he was released and deported to Germany.
Changes after imprisonment
Particularly the time after his release showed him who he could really rely on. "I would say that 90 percent of my former circle of friends have disappeared. Probably even 95 percent", Becker said in the interview. Today, he approaches contact attempts with caution. When former companions seek his proximity again, a "warning system" goes off within the family.
Boris Becker is determined not to risk his family happiness for anything or anyone anymore. "I will not put the life we lead today at risk again for further mistakes", he emphasized. "You always have to be aware that somewhere someone is lurking, trying to bring you down again. That's part of it when you're in my position. Now no one gets through anymore."
