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SPECIAL BOND

Boris Becker in deep mourning as former Wimbledon champion’s mother Elvira dies aged 89

Tennis legend's mum was by his side throughout his highs and lows
a man and woman sit at a table with wine glasses

BORIS BECKER is in "deep mourning" after his mother died aged 89.

Elvira Becker passed away at her apartment in Germany, having stood lovingly by the three-time Wimbledon champ throughout his highs and lows.

Elvira Becker was known for her unstinting support of son Boris
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Elvira Becker was known for her unstinting support of son BorisCredit: Alamy
Becker wed Lilian de Carvalho Monteiro in September
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Becker wed Lilian de Carvalho Monteiro in SeptemberCredit: RC for The Sun
He won Wimbledon three times, including aged just 17 in 1985
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He won Wimbledon three times, including aged just 17 in 1985Credit: Getty

The tennis legend was reportedly informed by phone and returned to his mum's home town of Leimen, Baden-Wurttemberg, where he was born.

Elvira died on Thursday, the day before her son's 57th birthday.

She had been ever supportive of him - as much, if not more during the troubled periods that followed his celebrated career on the court.

Those problems included financial issues, with the five-time Grand Slam winner jailed in Britain for seven months in 2022 for bankruptcy offences.

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It's there where her bond with her son was perhaps needed most, as it's believed her phone calls helped sustain him.

Elvira's health and mobility difficulties meant she was unable to see him get married for the third time, to Lilian de Carvalho Monteiro in Italy two months ago.

But mum and son were as close as always this year.

When visiting her back in May, he posted photos on Instagram alongside the message: "The one and only... Elvira! Happy Mother's Day."

Boris always appreciated his mum Elvira's backing
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Boris always appreciated his mum Elvira's backingCredit: Getty

The former World No1's lawyer Oliver Moser confirmed her death on Thursday, adding: "Boris Becker is in deep mourning."

Elvira and her husband Karl-Heinz, who died from cancer in 1999, were major figures in his tennis development, leading to him becoming Wimbledon's youngest ever winner aged 17 in 1985.

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And of course, Elvira was at SW19 that day in July 39 years ago to see her unseeded son make history.

That incredible occasion was made all the more remarkable as she had fled the former Czechoslovakia with her family in the 1940s.

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