Bankrupt Becker's search for silverware

LONDON - Bankrupt former tennis star Boris Becker on Wednesday appealed for help in tracking down five missing Grand Slam trophies which he needs to sell to help pay off his debts.

The German shook up the tennis world at Wimbledon in 1985 when, as an unseeded player, he became the then youngest-ever male Grand Slam champion at the age of 17, defending the trophy the following year.

Becker, 50, went on to win six Grand Slam trophies in a glittering career and reached world No 1, amassing more than $25 million in prize money.

But the German, who coached former world No 1 Novak Djokovic to multiple Grand Slam titles, was declared bankrupt by a court in London last year.

His London-based bankruptcy trustees said in a statement issued on Wednesday that Becker had helped collect some of the trophies and other memorabilia that he amassed during his career.

But the trustees added: "A number of the trophies from Mr Becker's career are unaccounted for as he is unable to recollect where they are."

The statement said the All England Tennis Club, which hosts Wimbledon, the German Tennis Federation, the US Tennis Association, Tennis Australia and the International Tennis Hall of Fame, do not appear to have the missing trophies.

"Mr Becker and his bankruptcy trustees are therefore issuing a joint appeal to the public for any information that may assist with locating Mr Becker's missing trophies. "The list includes the trophies for his victories at the Australian Open (1991 and 1996) and Wimbledon (1985, 1986 and 1989); The President's Challenge Cup from 1985 and 1989; and The Renshaw Cup from 1989."

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the joint trustees via email at BBEnquiries@smithandwilliamson.com.

Agence France - presse