Boris Becker in court dispute after ex-wife alleges missed payments since 2022

Monday, 04 May 2026 at 18:30

Boris Becker with a microphone in his hand

Boris Becker is facing a renewed legal dispute with his ex-wife Lilly Becker, who alleges he owes a substantial sum in unpaid child support. The case centres on financial obligations linked to their son, Amadeus, born in 2010, and follows years of separation and legal proceedings across multiple jurisdictions.

The disagreement stems from a London court order issued after their 2018 separation, which set monthly payments at £8,000. While Becker has covered certain expenses, including schooling in London, the core issue now is whether those regular maintenance payments were consistently fulfilled over time.

Lilly Becker’s legal team claims the payments stopped in 2022, coinciding with the German’s prison sentence for bankruptcy offences. That period marked a turning point in his financial situation, after he was found to have concealed £2.5 million in assets and served eight months before early release.

Since then, the dispute has shifted toward enforcement, with courts in Germany allowing action against income generated through television work and endorsements. Parallel proceedings have also been initiated in Italy, reflecting the increasingly complex legal landscape surrounding the case.

Enforcement expands as courts reject appeal

At the centre of the conflict is a disagreement over the validity and duration of the original UK maintenance order. Lilly Becker’s lawyers argue that despite partial contributions, the primary obligation remains outstanding and has accumulated into a substantial debt.

The former Wimbledon champion has contested that interpretation, arguing through his legal team that the order was temporary and no longer enforceable under current conditions.

His representatives have pushed back against the financial claims, framing them as legally unfounded. “The decision in England was only intended to secure claims temporarily for a maximum of twelve months,” said Christian-Oliver Moser, Becker’s lawyer, according to Daily Mail. “The alleged payment claims do not exist.”

Attempts to block enforcement in Germany were unsuccessful, with Munich’s Higher Regional Court rejecting the appeal in April. That ruling effectively cleared the way for Lilly Becker to pursue assets and income streams within the country, adding further pressure as the case extends beyond British jurisdiction.

Personal tensions and financial scrutiny intersect

The dispute unfolds against a backdrop of continued scrutiny over Becker’s finances following his 2022 conviction. That case, centred on hidden assets during bankruptcy proceedings, remains a defining element in how his financial credibility is assessed in ongoing legal matters.

Lilly Becker has taken a direct stance on the issue, criticising claims that her ex-husband is no longer in debt. Her comments reflect both the legal and personal dimensions of the dispute, particularly in relation to their son. “It hurts me when a father doesn’t take care of his son.”

Boris Becker speaking into a microphone during a media appearance

She also described Becker’s position as “a slap in the face,” underscoring the breakdown in trust that has characterised their post-divorce relationship. The pair formally divorced in 2023 after separating five years earlier, with tensions persisting throughout subsequent legal proceedings.

Payments resumed but dispute unresolved

Becker resumed payments in 2025, including a five-figure transfer reported in July, according to the Daily Mail. He has also continued to cover his son’s schooling costs in London, which has not been disputed by either side.

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However, the disagreement over the total amount allegedly owed remains active. Lilly Becker’s legal team maintains that a six-figure sum is still outstanding, while Becker’s representatives deny the existence of enforceable claims under the original order.

Legal action is currently underway in Germany and Italy. Following the rejection of his appeal in Munich, enforcement measures can now target income derived from Becker’s television appearances, punditry work and advertising agreements.

Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist

Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.

His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.

In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.

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