Boris Becker has revealed that he was left in tears during his 2022 prison stint, as he and his fellow inmates watched Novak Djokovic lift his seventh Wimbledon title on a small television. The six-time Grand Slam champion was found guilty of four charges under the Insolvency Act and famously served eight months of his two-and-a-half-year prison sentence before he was deported to Germany.

During his incarceration, Becker enjoyed one memorable moment when Djokovic defeated Nick Kyrgios in four sets to win Wimbledon. The German star coached Djokovic earlier in his career, and they have maintained a close relationship ever since. And Becker’s inmates soon learned just how much the Serbian superstar and his Wimbledon triumph meant to the 57-year-old, as they caused a scene to celebrate Djokovic’s victory with Becker.

It’s now been almost three years since Becker was released from prison, serving his time in HMP Wandsworth and HMP Huntercombe. The former world No. 1 has been open about his time behind bars, detailing how he had a run-in with a convicted murderer, had to earn the trust of his fellow inmates, and suffered drastic weight loss.

And Becker has now detailed one of his special memories from his incarceration, which started on April 29, 2022. By the time Wimbledon rolled around a few months later, the German had sparked a tennis frenzy in his wing of the prison, and cried when he realised the other prisoners were invested too.

Becker, who coached Djokovic to six of his 24 career Grand Slam titles, watched his old charge beat Kyrgios in the Wimbledon final on July 10 that year. Becker himself adores Wimbledon – the tournament, the All England Club, and the area. He became the youngest-ever Wimbledon champion aged 17, lifting the trophy at SW19 two more times during his own career.

As he watched Djokovic compete on Centre Court from a small TV in his cell, Becker’s fellow inmates lived every moment with him. He told The Guardian that the other prisoners banged on their door every time the Serb won a point, and made even more noise when he sealed a 4-6 6-3 6-4 7-6 victory.

“I wasn’t afraid any more. And when Novak won, and raised his arms, I stood up and raised my arms too. As I did so, the noise along the wing broke out again, louder than ever before,” Becker recalled.

“The banging didn’t stop for 10 minutes. On walls, on doors. With cups, with chairs. It had taken me two weeks to educate them that this was my man, and now I realised. They had understood. I stood there and I cried.”

It was especially meaningful for Becker, as his now-wife Lilian and eldest son, Noah, were in Djokovic’s box throughout the tournament – a touching gesture from the 24-time Major winner, and one that Becker remains grateful for.

The 47-year-old added: “I saw them ringside at every game and that’s what I call true friendship, that you’re not forgotten. I always thank Novak for this special memory.”