Former tennis world number one Boris Becker was released from prison and faces deportation from Britain

In April, Becker was convicted of unauthorized transfer of large sums of money and concealment of assets after declaring bankruptcy in 2017. He had already been convicted in Germany in 2002 of tax evasion, which resulted in a suspended prison sentence.

“Any alien who has been convicted of a crime and sentenced to prison will be considered for deportation as soon as possible,” the Interior Ministry said in a statement, although it did not directly address Becker’s case. reported Reuters.

Becker’s lawyer Christian-Oliver Moser, said in a statement released by CNN that the former tennis star “has served his sentence and is not subject to penalty restrictions in Germany”. The former star athlete has denied all charges and said he cooperated in the bankruptcy proceedings – even offering his wedding ring, according to Reuters.

The 55-year-old had a successful tennis career that included six Grand Slam titles: three Wimbledon titles, two Australian Open titles and one US Open title. One of his Wimbledon titles came when he was just 17 years old, making him the youngest champion in the history of the tournament. He is also known for his success on the sidelines, having coached tennis star Novak Djokovic for three years.

Although his time in prison was short, Becker tried to stay productive by working as a classroom assistant, teaching exercise theory and the benefits of exercise and diet. according to the German Bild. According to Bild, he even taught 45 prisoners special yoga and meditation.

According to CBS NewsBecker’s 87-year-old mother, Elvira, told a friend that her son’s release was “the best Christmas present I could wish for.”