Boris Becker had a watch valued at approximately $6,600 taken by bailiffs acting on behalf of his ex-wife right before a public event in Germany.
The former tennis star was in Bad Honnef on Sunday when he was approached by three police officers and a bailiff from the Königswinter District Court moments before an interview with Sky Sports Germany’s Riccardo Basile. According to reports, things unfolded rather unexpectedly.
Dr. Michael Scheele, representing Becker’s ex-wife, Lily Kelsenberg, noted that Becker’s team had secured a court order allowing them to seize assets from the six-time Grand Slam champion.
Scheele mentioned, “He didn’t have any cash, so we confiscated the watch.”
This incident is part of an ongoing legal clash between Becker and Kelsenberg, who tied the knot in 2009 and separated nine years later.
According to Scheele, Becker is behind on payments due since their divorce, including child support for their son, Amadeus, who is now 16.
A spokesperson for the court told the German magazine Bunte that the process went “smoothly” and that Becker was polite and cooperative throughout.
The spokesperson added, “Since he did not have any cash on him, only his watch was confiscated. There was nothing else to take.”
Scheele indicated that he would keep pursuing Becker’s assets unless a suitable settlement was reached.
“It would be wise for Boris to propose a reasonable offer so we can find an agreement,” said Scheele.
However, Becker’s lawyer, Christian Oliver Moser, refuted these claims, stating to Bild that Becker had made considerable payments to Amadeus over the years, including voluntary monthly support since August 2025.
Moser also mentioned that Becker had proposed a one-time payment of $113,000 to resolve the matter, which Kelsenberg deemed insufficient.
The watch seizure marks another chapter in Becker’s public financial challenges. He served eight months in a British prison in 2022 for violations related to bankruptcy laws, after which he was deported back to Germany.
At 58, Becker has enjoyed a remarkable tennis career, with six major singles titles under his belt, including three Wimbledon wins.
