Wimbledon made him a superstar, later Boris Becker moderated the tournaments himself. At the opening of this year’s event, his ex-colleagues addressed the imprisoned star with moving words.
It has been one of the biggest events in the tennis world for decades: when the tournament of the same name takes place in Wimbledon, the London district is in a state of emergency. One of its biggest stars will have to watch the tournament behind bars for the first time this year. But Boris Becker received a heartwarming greeting from his former colleagues.
During the BBC’s live reporting, commentators Sue Barker and John McEnroe addressed Becker, who was sentenced to two years in prison in April. “Boris, we love you. We miss you man,” McEnroe explained. The seven-time Grand Slam winner reports on the tournament for the first time, replacing Becker. Barker, also a longtime player, agreed. “We sure do, you say so.” Becker commented on the tournament together with Barker last year. It’s the last tournament for her: After 30 years at Wimbledon, she wants to stop after this year.
Mixed reaction
The expression of sympathy was perceived very differently by the viewers. You send greetings to “a convicted criminal”, some viewers are angry, according to the “Guardian”. Many others welcomed the commentators’ clear statement and said they also missed Becker as part of the reporting.
McEnroe declined to comment on viewers’ criticism of The Guardian. A few days ago he stated that he found Becker’s imprisonment “horrific”. “Boris is a friend of mine,” he clarified. “I feel terrible. He’s one of the best players this game has ever had. And I know how much it meant to him.” He wanted to visit Becker in prison if that was possible.
In April, after a trial lasting several months, Becker was found guilty of hiding assets such as real estate, accounts and trophies as part of his bankruptcy proceedings. Becker had rejected the blame, he had relied on his advisors. The jury saw it differently: Becker was found guilty of four out of 24 charges and sentenced to two and a half years in prison.
Sources: bbc,
Source: Stern
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