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'He broke the law': Andy Murray's brutal take on Boris Becker saga

Pictured right is British tennis star Andy Murray and German great Boris Becker on the left.
Andy Murray says German tennis great Boris Becker deserves to go to jail because he broke the law. Pic: Getty

British tennis star Andy Murray says he has little sympathy for Boris Becker after the German legend was sentenced to jail in London last week.

Becker was convicted of four charges under Britain's Insolvency Act in April, including failing to disclose, concealing and removing significant assets following a bankruptcy trial.

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The six-times grand slam champion was found guilty of transferring money to his ex-wife Barbara and estranged wife Sharlely after his 2017 bankruptcy.

On Friday, a judge sentenced Becker to two-and-a-half years in jail for hiding $4 million worth of assets and loans to avoid paying his debts.

"It is notable you have not shown remorse or acceptance of your guilt," judge Deborah Taylor told him on Friday as she sentenced the two-time Australian Open champion at London's Southwark Crown Court.

"While I accept the humiliation you have felt as a result of these proceedings, you have shown no humility."

The judge said Becker would serve half his sentence behind bars and the remainder on licence.

World No.1 Novak Djokovic - whom Becker coached for three years - said he was "heartbroken" for his former mentor.

"He's a friend, a long-time friend, a coach for three, four years, someone I consider close in my life and has contributed a lot to my success in my career.

"I'm not going to get into details of the verdict, because I'm not in a position to do that, but, as his friend, I'm super sad for him.

"It's not much that you can say.

"I just hope he will go through this period that he has to be in jail and that when he comes out he's able to live his life - I don't know if we'll use the word 'normal' because life is definitely changing for anybody going to prison, especially for that long of a time.

"I don't know how things will turn out for him. I just pray for him.

"I hope things will be well in terms of his health, his mental health, because that's going to be the most challenging part."

From left to right, Novak Djokovic and Boris Becker at the Miami Open in 2015.
Novak Djokovic and Boris Becker at the Miami Open in 2015. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)

However, Murray offered a much different take to Djokovic, insisting Becker should not be afforded “special treatment” and that sympathy should like with the victims of the German's crimes, not the tennis legend.

“He broke the law, and if you do that, I don't think you should get special treatment because of who you are or what you've achieved” Murray said.

“I feel sorry that he's in that situation, but I also feel sorry for the people that he's affected with his decisions.”

Murray also weighed in on Wimbledon's controversial move to ban Russian and Belarusian players in response to the invasion of Ukraine, with the three-time major winner saying he is "not supportive" of the government-led move.

However, he added, there was no “right answer” to the difficult situation.

Speaking to The Daily Telegraph and other media at the Madrid Open, three-time grand slam winner said the guidance from the Government “was not helpful” and could potentially put the families of players at risk.

Andy Murray opposes Wimbledon's Russia ban

“I’m not supportive of players getting banned,” Murray said.

“My understanding of the guidance was that Russians and Belarusians can play if they sign a declaration that they’re against the war and against the Russian regime," Murray said.

"I’m not sure how comfortable I would feel if something happened to one of the players or their families (as a result).”

The Scottish player who is is donating all of his prize money this season to humanitarian relief in Ukraine spoke out about the decision ahead of his opening match in Madrid against 2020 US Open champion Dominic Thiem.

Seen here, Andy Murray at the Miami Open in 2022.
Andy Murray does not agree with the decision to ban Russian and Belarusian players from competing at Wimbledon. Pic: Getty

“I don’t think there’s a right answer,” Murray said.

“I have spoken to some of the Russian players. I’ve spoken to some of the Ukrainian players. I feel really bad for the players who aren’t allowed to play and I get that it will seem unfair to them. But I also know some of the people who work at Wimbledon, and I know how difficult a position they were in.

“I feel for everyone, feel for the players that can’t play, and I don’t support one side or the other.”

Rafael Nadal similarly branded Wimbledon’s ban on Russian and Belarusian players “very unfair” as the ATP considers its response.

Wimbledon officials reiterated their position last week, saying that a directive from the Government regarding the invasion of Ukraine had left them with no viable alternative but to refuse entries from players from the two countries.

There has been some support for Wimbledon’s position, especially from Ukrainians within tennis, but the reaction has been largely negative, with the ATP and WTA both deciding whether to impose penalties.

with agencies

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