Boris Becker claims to have lost Wimbledon trophies as trial heats up

Former tennis champion Boris Becker does not know where his Wimbledon trophies are, he has told a jury.

The six-time Grand Slam winner told Southwark Crown Court he would hand them over "tomorrow" if he had access to them, as a trial into his alleged failure to declare assets continues.

Mr Becker, 54, was declared bankrupt in 2017, with nine trophies and medals among assets he is accused of failing to declare. He denies 24 charges against him.

The German former world number one told the court he has sold his properties to help fix his financial situation and he owned "lots" of trophies and memorabilia from his career, but some are now missing.

"For the player, it's about winning the title. The trophy is not so much when you are playing," said Becker. "Nowadays I wish I have them to show to my children."

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Boris Becker ‘auctioned off trophies for £700,000 to pay debts’, says court

Some of his trophies have been auctioned off for £700,000 to pay off his debts and he has put out several appeals in an attempt locate those that are missing. Among the places that have been contacted are major tennis associations, halls of fame and museums, but Mr Becker said he is "not in a better position today" to say where they are.

The 24 charges he has been accused of include:

• Nine counts of failing to deliver up trophies and other awards
• Seven counts of concealing property totalling more than €1.5m
• Five counts of failing to disclose estate, including properties in Germany and London, shares, and a bank account
• Two of removal of property amounting to almost €500,000
• One of concealing €825,000 of debt

The trial, which is expected to last up to three weeks, continues.