Boris Becker tragedy as mother found dead in her apartment aged 89 just a day before his birthday

Becker was informed via telephone and is now travelling to his hometown, where he was born.

The tennis icon's lawyer, Oliver Moser, confirmed the news by saying: "I can confirm the death of Elvira Becker. Boris Becker is in deep mourning."

Elvira played a big part in her son's career, helping to make him into a tennis sensation that won six Grand Slams titles.

Becker became the youngest player to ever win Wimbledon back in 1985 at the age of 17, a record that still stands today.

Elvira also managed the family's affairs, working extremely hard to ensure her son could focus on training and playing the sport he loves.

She was in attendance when he won Wimbledon 39 years ago, cheering from the sidelines as he wrote his name into the history books.

Back in 2022, Becker spent seven months in prison for UK bankruptcy offences.

Yet Elvira continued to provide her support by regularly talking with her son over the phone.

Reports have previously said the German tennis legend relied on these conversations to help him get through such a challenging time in his life.

Becker visited Elvira in May for Mother's Day and shared a sweet snap of the two on Instagram.

He accompanied the picture with a caption that read: "The one and only...Elvira! Happy Mother's Day."

Becker married Lilian de Carvalho Monteiro in September, with the pair previously meeting for the first time in 2019.

Elvira was unable to attend the wedding due to her declining health, however.

Explaining why she wouldn't be in attendance in an interview with German newspaper BILD, she said: "I can't cope with my health, my legs can't take it anymore. It's a long journey."

Elvira fled Czechoslovakia with her family during or after World War II and later settled in Germany.

She later married Karl-Heinz Becker, who died in 1999.

Elvira always stood by her son and, when he was released from prison in 2022, said reuniting with Becker was the 'best Christmas present I can hope for."

A friend of the 89-year-old added: “Elvira is simply overjoyed he is coming home.

"For her, having Boris out of prison and back home is the best thing imaginable – and for it to happen in time for Christmas will be great for her.

"She was worried about when she might see him again, so this is all a huge deal for her - especially given her age.”