Five Tennis Players Who Faced Criminal Charges

Tennis is a global sport followed by millions across the globe. Tennis icons often carry themselves with grace, aware of the enormous responsibility that comes with their fame. Most players strive to be positive role models, both on and off the court. Nevertheless, some players have found themselves entangled in serious off-court controversies that have shocked fans and stained their reputations. Here are five tennis players who faced criminal charges.

5. Nick Kyrgios

Nick Kyrgios, often considered as one of the most talented tennis players of his generation, has never been a stranger to dispute. Known for his fervent nature and unconventional playing style, Kyrgios has been involved in various on-court incidents that have drawn criticism. Nevertheless, his most serious controversy came in 2022 when he was defendant of domestic violence by his ex-girlfriend, Chiara Passari.

The incident allegedly occurred in December 2021, where Kyrgios reportedly shoved Passari to the ground, causing her physical harm. This led to Kyrgios being charged with common assault. In early 2023, he pleaded guilty to the charges. The court sentenced him to a $1,000 fine, 20 hours of community service, and a 12-month good behaviour bond. This incident marked a low point in Kyrgios’s career and highlighted the dark side of his off-court life.

4. Bernard Tomic

Bernard Tomic, another Australian tennis player, was once seen as a budding star in the tennis world, reaching a career-high ranking of World No. 17. Nevertheless, Tomic's career has been marred by disputes and run-ins with the law.

In 2013, Tomic found himself in trouble when he was caught driving an unlisted and uninsured car in Australia. He was also driving without a valid driver’s license, which led to a $3,000 fine and the suspension of his license for six months.

Two years later, in 2015, Tomic was arrested in Miami after a party got out of hand at a luxurious hotel. He had been partying late into the night, playing loud music, and reportedly engaging in questionable activities. When hotel staff asked him to leave, Tomic refused and became hostile. The police were called, and he was arrested for defying arrest. Even though the charges were ultimately dropped, the incident added to his growing reputation for trouble.

3. Boris Becker

Boris Becker, a former World No. 1 and six-time Grand Slam champion, is a tennis legend known for his enthralling skills on the court. Nevertheless, his life off the court has been riddled with legal troubles.

In 2002, Becker was found guilty by the Munich District Court of tax evasion. He had falsely proclaimed his place of residence in an attempt to avoid paying taxes. As a result, he was fined €300,000 and ordered to pay an additional €200,000 to numerous charitable institutions.

Becker’s legal woes didn’t end there. In 2017, he announced bankruptcy over an unpaid loan of nearly $14 million owed to a private bank. During the bankruptcy proceedings, it was found that Becker had hidden assets and transactions worth over $5 million. He was found guilty of four charges under the Insolvency Act and sentenced to 30 months in prison.

2. Bill Tilden

Bill Tilden, known as "Big Bill," was an American tennis player who dominated the sport in the 1920s. He won 14 major singles titles and was the first American man to win Wimbledon. Conversely, his post-retirement life was marred by outrage.

In 1946, Tilden was arrested by the Beverly Hills police for soliciting a 14-year-old boy for sex. He was found guilty and sentenced to one year behind the bars. Just a few years later, in 1949, Tilden was arrested again, this time for picking up a 16-year-old hitchhiker. He was sentenced to another year behind the bars. These incidents severely blemished his inheritance as one of tennis’s early greats.

1. Bob Hewitt

Bob Hewitt, an Australian tennis player, was once celebrated as one of the greatest doubles players in history, winning 15 Grand Slam titles. Nevertheless, his legacy was forever tainted by his criminal actions.

In 2015, Hewitt was charged with rape charges and sexual assault. The charges were brought against him by three women who had been under his coaching in the 1980s and 1990s. They were between 12 and 14 years old at the time of the assaults. Hewitt was sentenced to six years in prison. In 2020, he was released on parole after serving half of his sentence. Due to his crimes, Hewitt was banished from the International Tennis Hall of Fame.

These cases serve as a heads-up that fame and success in sports do not exempt athletes from the consequences of their actions. Even though these players achieved great things on the court, their off-court controversies have left lasting tarnishes on their legacies.

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