Top Five Tennis Players Who Went Bankrupt.
Tennis is one of the most lucrative sports in the world, with top players earning millions through prize money, endorsements, and sponsorships. However, financial success on the court doesn’t always translate into long-term wealth. Several high-profile tennis players have struggled with financial mismanagement, poor investments, and extravagant lifestyles, leading to bankruptcy. Here, we look at five famous tennis players who went from riches to financial ruin.
1. Boris Becker
Boris Becker is one of the most prominent examples of a tennis star who lost his fortune. The German legend won six Grand Slam titles, including three Wimbledon championships, and was one of the highest-paid athletes of his time.
However, despite earning millions throughout his career, Becker filed for bankruptcy in 2017 due to unpaid debts. His financial troubles stemmed from expensive divorces, failed business ventures, and unpaid taxes. In 2022, he was even sentenced to prison in the UK for concealing assets during his bankruptcy proceedings. Becker’s case is a cautionary tale of how poor financial management can bring down even the biggest sports icons.
2. Björn Borg
Björn Borg was a tennis sensation in the 1970s, winning 11 Grand Slam titles and becoming a global icon. He earned millions in prize money and endorsements but faced severe financial difficulties after retiring at the age of 26.
Borg attempted a business career, including launching a fashion and sportswear brand, but his ventures failed, leading him to the brink of bankruptcy. Reports in the early 1990s suggested that he was forced to sell his trophies and properties to cover debts. While he eventually recovered financially, Borg’s struggles highlight the challenges athletes face when transitioning to life after sports.
3. Arantxa Sánchez Vicario
Arantxa Sánchez Vicario, a former world No. 1 and four-time Grand Slam champion, also faced financial disaster. The Spanish tennis star was known for her incredible work ethic on the court, but off the court, her finances were mishandled.
In 2012, she revealed that she had lost almost all of her earnings due to mismanagement by her parents and financial advisors. She even had to fight legal battles against her own family over her lost wealth. Sánchez Vicario was left with millions in debt and had to rebuild her life from scratch. Her case highlights the importance of having trustworthy financial advisors.
4. Guillermo Vilas
Argentinian tennis legend Guillermo Vilas was one of the most dominant players of the 1970s, winning four Grand Slam titles. Despite his on-court success, he struggled financially later in life.
Vilas made several failed investments, including real estate deals that went sour. While he did not officially declare bankruptcy, reports suggest that he faced severe financial difficulties and had to sell some of his assets to stay afloat. His case demonstrates how even a well-respected champion can face financial ruin if investments go wrong.
5. Yannick Noah
Yannick Noah, the 1983 French Open champion, was one of the most charismatic players in tennis history. After his retirement, he successfully transitioned into a music career, but financial problems followed him.
Noah faced tax troubles in France, with authorities claiming he owed millions in unpaid taxes. While he denied wrongdoing, the legal battle took a toll on his finances. Though he never officially filed for bankruptcy, his financial difficulties were widely reported, showing how even post-career success does not guarantee financial stability.
Lessons from Their Financial Struggles
The stories of these tennis greats provide valuable lessons for athletes and the general public:
1. Financial Education Is Essential – Many players earn large sums of money at a young age but lack financial literacy, leading to mismanagement.
2. Trustworthy Financial Advisors Are Crucial – Several players, including Sánchez Vicario, suffered due to bad advice or mismanagement by people they trusted.
3. Avoiding Extravagant Lifestyles – Some players, like Becker, spent excessively on luxury items, legal battles, and failed business ventures.
4. Planning for Life After Tennis – Athletes need to have a financial plan for their post-playing careers to avoid financial instability.
Despite their struggles, some of these players managed to rebuild their lives, proving that financial setbacks are not always permanent. Their stories serve as cautionary tales but also offer hope that financial recovery is possible with better management and planning.
