It has been a difficult time for tennis legend, Boris Becker. Yesterday, his mother, Elvira, passed away aged 89. While Becker was readying to celebrate his 57th birthday today, she left a huge void in Becker’s life. Elvira has been always behind her son and supported him even during his life’s darkest phases. Among them included his financial troubles, when Becker was jailed in Britain for seven months in 2022 for bankruptcy offenses. As a result, Becker was in a state of deep mourning and was joined by the likes of Billie Jean King and Sascha Bajin.

Hours ago, Becker took to his official Instagram handle to announce that his mother had left the world. Sharing some glimpses of his time with her, Becker wrote, “My dear mother has left us… I owe you everything I have achieved in life. It is a great pain that I feel right now but you gave birth to me 57 years ago today and made me a strong man. It was the first snowfall in Leimen and today it is snowing again…”

The entire tennis community paid their respect to Becker’s late mother. American tennis legend, Billie Jean King was among the first ones to pay tribute and she commented, “So very sorry for your loss. Thinking of you.” Additionally, renowned German tennis coach, Sascha Bajin also consoled Becker and commented on his post. Bajin wrote, “Deepest condolences Boris.”

Becker’s mother, who stood by her son during his highs and lows, passed away at her apartment in Germany. Two months back when Becker got married for the third time, Elvira was unable to attend the ceremony as her health and mobility difficulties cropped up. When an unseeded Becker made history by winning the 1985 Wimbledon Championships, Elvira was right behind her son and supported Becker from the stands.

A couple of years back, Becker was released from prison after being found guilty of four charges under the Insolvency Act. Subsequently, his mother made a heartwarming gesture.

When Boris Becker reunited with his mother

It has been a turbulent time for Becker over the past few years. After his bankruptcy in 2017, the German star concealed ownership of a £1.3million home, a £692,000 loan he received from a Liechtenstein bank. Subsequently, he was sentenced to two and a half years in jail after being found guilty of four charges.

Becker was released in December 2022 and was deported to Germany where he reunited with Elvira before Christmas. “The best Christmas present I could hope for – I cannot wait to hold my beloved son in my arms,” she said while being overjoyed to see her son after long.

This shows the deep bond that Becker shared with his mother. She played a pivotal role in his career and was one of the reasons Becker could excel in the sport. Indeed, she has left a huge void in the life of Becker and the sorrow of the loss would take time to heal.