Boris Becker will reportedly not return to the BBC's Wimbledon commentary box this summer, despite now being eligible to apply for UK re-entry following his deportation.
The three-time champion has been absent from the broadcaster's SW19 coverage since his imprisonment in April 2022.
This year marks the 40th anniversary of Becker's historic first Wimbledon triumph in 1985, when he became the youngest men's singles champion at just 17 years old.
The German had been a fixture in the BBC's commentary team for two decades, having first joined in 2002.
Boris Becker will reportedly not return to the BBC's Wimbledon commentary box this summer, despite now being eligible to apply for UK re-entry following his deportation
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The broadcaster has chosen not to bring back the 57-year-old, according to the Daily Mail, even though he has been permitted to apply to the Home Office for re-entry since October 2024.
Becker was sentenced to 30 months in prison after being found guilty of concealing £2.5million in assets and loans to avoid paying his debts. He served eight months before being released and immediately deported from the UK.
The terms of his conviction and deportation barred him from entering the country, preventing him from even attending the All England Club as a spectator.
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Boris Becker was previously sent to prison in 2022
PA
Under these conditions, the former world No 1 became eligible to submit an application to the Home Office for re-entry in October 2024.
Despite this eligibility window opening eight months ago, Becker has not secured permission to return for this year's Championships.
Becker has returned to television commentary since his release, working for TNT Sports at the French Open earlier this month. However, neither TNT nor the BBC have plans to use him during this year's Wimbledon coverage.
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TNT Sports, which now holds daily highlights rights and shares live coverage of the singles finals with the BBC, will not be employing Becker at SW19.
It remains uncertain whether he will work for another broadcaster during the tournament or attend the All England Club as a guest.
The 57-year-old, who is set to release a book about his prison experience this September, has been cautious when discussing a potential Wimbledon return in recent interviews.
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In April 2024, Becker expressed optimism about returning to SW19, stating: "I'm working hard with the authorities to have all the applications ready to be back for next year."
He added: "I miss Wimbledon. It's part of my life. It's in my DNA. I don't think anyone alive knows Wimbledon as well as I do."
Regarding the application process, Becker acknowledged: "After October 2024, I can be given permission from the Home Office. They decide, I don't decide."
Boris Becker won three Wimbledon titles throughout his career
PA
The BBC is expected to announce their Wimbledon line-up later this week.
Nick Kyrgios will also be absent from the commentary team following controversy over his appointment last year, when the broadcaster faced criticism from MPs and women's campaigners for hiring the Australian after he admitted assaulting an ex-girlfriend.
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