Tennis Legend’s Timepiece Confiscated Amidst Ex-Wife’s Financial Claims
Tennis icon Boris Becker had a valuable watch, estimated to be worth £5,000, seized by bailiffs acting on behalf of his ex-wife, moments before he was scheduled to appear for a public interview. The incident occurred on Sunday in the western German town of Bad Honnef during an event celebrating a caravan dealer’s 30th anniversary.
Reports indicate that as Becker prepared to speak with Sky Sports Germany presenter Riccardo Basile, three police officers and a bailiff from the local district court entered the venue. They located Becker and proceeded with the seizure.
Legal Action Over Unpaid Dues
Dr. Michael Scheele, legal representative for Dutch model Lilly Kerssenberg, Becker’s former wife, confirmed the action. He stated that his team obtained a court order to seize assets belonging to Becker. “He didn’t have any cash, so the bailiff seized the watch,” Scheele explained. He further elaborated that the order was issued due to Becker’s alleged refusal to meet his financial obligations following their divorce.
Scheele indicated that his team intends to continue pursuing seizure orders until the outstanding amounts are settled. However, he also expressed a preference for an amicable resolution. “The better alternative is that Boris comes around and makes a decent offer and we come to some sort of agreement. Lilly is open for that. She doesn’t want this war. She doesn’t want it at all,” he remarked.
Cooperative Seizure, Court Confirms
A German magazine, Bunte, reported that the seizure proceeded without incident. A court spokesperson commented on the matter, stating, “Boris Becker behaved politely and correctly and was cooperative. Since he wasn’t carrying any cash, only his wristwatch was confiscated. There was nothing else to seize.”
Background of Financial Dispute
Following their separation in 2018, a UK family court mandated Becker to pay £8,000 per month in child maintenance to Kerssenberg. According to Kerssenberg’s legal team, this payment has not been consistently made, leading to her reported frustration with her ex-husband, a three-time Wimbledon champion.
Kerssenberg’s lawyer voiced concerns about Becker’s involvement with their son, Amadeus. “She has complained a few times that he’s not taking care of his son. Not enough anyway. Of course he’s not. How could you ever justify what he’s doing, or rather than not doing? He’s not a good father. He is ignoring Amadeus,” Scheele stated. He expressed disappointment that Becker’s interactions with their son seemed more for public image than genuine paternal engagement.
Becker’s Defense and Counterclaims
In contrast, Christian-Oliver Moser, Becker’s lawyer, has asserted that his client has been making substantial payments for Amadeus for years. Moser stated that Becker has been voluntarily paying approximately €6,500 per month in maintenance, which includes school fees and transport, since August 2025. He also mentioned that Becker had proposed a lump sum of €100,000 to resolve the dispute, an offer reportedly rejected by Kerssenberg as insufficient.
Moser indicated that Becker intends to continue contesting the matter until a fair and amicable solution is reached, and that he will not be coerced into unrealistic payments. He suggested that the legal actions are driven by publicity for Kerssenberg’s lawyer and an attempt to improve her financial situation, rather than genuine child maintenance concerns. Moser expressed confidence that a German court would bring an end to the proceedings.
Future of the Seized Watch
Regarding the confiscated watch, Dr. Scheele indicated that it remains with the bailiff. He suggested it could be auctioned, or that Becker could offer a sum to have it returned. “At least it might pay for one month of alimony to his son,” he commented.
Scheele described Becker’s alleged failure to pay the full maintenance amount as an “insult to his son,” emphasizing that the money is owed to a minor. He expressed strong disapproval of Becker’s perceived selective care for his children.
