Boris Becker Released from UK Prison

Boris Becker, the former world No. 1 men's tennis player, has been released from a UK prison after serving just 8 months of his sentence. He has left for Germany, his lawyer Christian-Oliver Moser confirmed on Thursday.

What happened?

Boris Becker was found guilty of four charges relating to his 2017 bankruptcy case under the Insolvency Act. He was sentenced to two-and-a-half years by Judge Deborah Taylor at Southwark Crown Court.

Why it matters for Boris Becker

The six-time Grand Slam champion was accused of "playing the system with bad faith" by concealing and transferring assets. He had deprived creditors of more than £2 million in assets.

What comes next?

Boris Becker has served his sentence and is not subject to any penal restrictions in Germany, his lawyer said. Any requests for interviews "will not be answered," Moser added.

Boris Becker made tennis history when he won Wimbledon aged 17 in 1985. He went on to win five more Grand Slam titles over the next 11 years.

The UK's Home Office said any foreign national who is convicted of a crime and given a prison sentence is considered for deportation at the earliest opportunity. Boris Becker, originally from Germany, has lived in London since 2012 but does not have British citizenship.

He previously denied all the charges, saying he had cooperated with bankruptcy proceedings. Boris Becker has remained active in the tennis world since retiring from the sport, notably as the coach of Novak Djokovic.

On Thursday, PA Media reported that Boris Becker had been released from custody and was due to be deported. The UK's Ministry of Justice has been contacted for a statement.

Boris Becker's lawyer did not provide any further details about his location in Germany. He will not be subject to any penal restrictions in his home country.