Former tennis champion Boris Becker has publicly addressed his notorious infidelity, asserting that he was unfairly cast as "the bad guy" following his affair while his then-wife Barbara was hospitalised during her pregnancy. The 58-year-old sports icon made these revelations during a candid interview on The Louis Theroux Podcast, sparking renewed discussion about the decades-old scandal.
The Infidelity That Shook a Marriage
In June 1999, Becker committed adultery with Russian model Angela Ermakova in a broom cupboard at London's exclusive Nobu restaurant. This betrayal occurred while Barbara Becker was receiving medical treatment in hospital, shortly before giving birth to their son Elias. The affair resulted in Becker fathering a child with Ermakova, creating a public scandal that dominated headlines.
Financial Settlements and Divorce Proceedings
The couple separated in the aftermath of the affair, with their divorce being finalised in 2001 after reaching a substantial £10 million settlement agreement. During his podcast appearance, Becker claimed that Barbara "had the power because I was the bad guy" in the situation. He further stated that she "got a nice cheque out of it" along with "a nice monthly support," suggesting financial compensation played a significant role in their divorce resolution.
Reflections on Family Dynamics
Despite the painful history, Becker insists that he and Barbara have developed an amicable relationship over time. "Twenty-five years later, we really consider each other a close knit family, you know, regardless of what happened," he explained. The former Wimbledon champion also emphasised his commitment to fatherhood, stating: "I like to call myself a good father. I really looked after my two oldest, even though they weren't living in Europe at the time."
Legal Troubles and Subsequent Relationships
Following his divorce from Barbara, Becker faced legal challenges including a 2002 conviction for tax evasion and attempted tax evasion in Germany. His romantic life continued to evolve, with an engagement to Dutch model Sharlely 'Lilly' Kerssenberg announced seven years later. Kerssenberg gave birth to their son Amadeus in 2010, adding to Becker's growing family.
Comparing Three Marriages
During the podcast conversation, Becker offered comparative insights about his three wives, suggesting that his first two marriages were influenced by his fame and wealth, while his current relationship with Lillian de Carvalho Monteiro represents genuine love. "The contrast of my three wives is the first two married the famous rich guy, and the last one didn't," he reflected.
Becker elaborated that when he met Lillian, he "wasn't rich anymore" and was "physically impaired," claiming she "didn't fall in love because of the wealth" or fame. This perspective forms part of his broader narrative about personal growth and relationship authenticity following the very public collapse of his marriage to Barbara.
Current Family Life and Tennis Connections
The interview revelations come shortly after Becker shared intimate family moments on social media, introducing his baby daughter Zoe to the tennis court. His wife Lillian, 34, recently played her first tennis match since giving birth to their daughter in November 2025. Becker posted photographs capturing the family moment, with baby Zoe even holding a miniature tennis racket, continuing the tennis legacy that has defined much of Becker's public life.
As these personal reflections emerge through The Louis Theroux Podcast, available on Spotify and other platforms, they provide a complex portrait of a sports legend grappling with past mistakes while building new family foundations. The interview offers unprecedented insight into how infidelity, divorce, and public scrutiny have shaped Becker's personal journey over a quarter century.
