Banged-up Becker gets a shout-out from the BBC gang

BBC Wimbledon presenters John Mcenroe and Sue Barker have given a televised shout-out to former champion Boris Becker in the hope the jailed German might have been watching.

The 54-year-old Becker who won the event three times, is currently locked up for a two-and-a-half-year sentence after being found guilty of hiding GBP 2.5 million worth of assets and loans by a London bankruptcy court in April.

The greeting to their former BBC commentary colleague from the broadcast pair has drawn complaints.

Seven-time Grand Slam champion McEnroe said: “Boris, we love you. We miss you, man.”

Added former French Open champion Barker of Britain: “We do indeed, well said.”

British tabloid reports indicate Becker may have been granted special permission inside his London-area prison to watch Wimbledon which began on Monday and ends July 10.

Mac said he was hoping to visit Boris in prison, while BBC presenter and former player Andrew Castle earlier mentioned his own sympathies for the banged-up Becker, with whom he commentated several Wimbledon finals.

“We are looking forward to welcoming you back,” Castle, a noted breakfast radio personality, said during coverage of the Queen’s Club tournament..

“I’ve had a real moment of missing Boris. I know he’s in prison and I know why. Boris, we look forward to welcoming you on your return.”