German tennis champion Becker claims diplomatic immunity over bankruptcy case

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Germany's three-time Wimbledon champion Boris Becker recently claimed diplomatic immunity against any legal claims, after he was appointed by the Central African Republic as a sport and culture attache to the EU in April 2018.

Private bank Arbuthnot Latham sued Becker for owing money and declared the German's bankruptcy in 2017.

In reply, Becker said the proceedings were "unjustified and unjust" and being declared bankrupt "inflicted a whole heap of damage on me."

Boris Becker attends a press conference on day four of the BMW Open in Munich, Germany, on May 1, 2018. /VCG Photo

He later appointed Ben Emmerson QC, who previously represented Julian Assange, as his lawyer. And the legal team of Becker's said: "This means he cannot be subject to legal process in the courts of any country for so long as he remains a recognized diplomatic agent."

"I am immensely proud of my appointment [by] the Central African Republic. Sport is incredibly important in Africa and is fast becoming a universal language," said Becker.

Then 17-year-old Becker was the first German to win Wimbledon in 1985. During a 15-year career, he won it again in 1986 and 1989 among the 64 ATP Tour titles he achieved. After his retirement he worked as a pundit for the BBC.