LONDON • Former German tennis star Boris Becker said he was "surprised and disappointed" after being declared bankrupt by a court in London on Wednesday for failing to pay a "substantial" long-standing debt.

The 49-year-old did not attend the hearing but made his thoughts on the issue known on social media.

"Surprised and disappointed that Arbuthnot Latham chose to bring these proceedings against me," Becker wrote on Twitter, referring to the bankruptcy application made by private bankers Arbuthnot Latham & Co in connection with a judgment debt owed to them by the six-time Grand Slam winner.

"This order relates to 1 disputed loan which I was due to repay in full in 1 month time! It is disappointing that my request for today's hearing to be postponed was refused.

"My earnings are well publicised and it was a (sic) clear that I have the means to repay this debt."

The BBC reported that Becker owed Arbuthnot Latham & Co a large sum and the court registrar said there was not enough credible evidence that he could pay.

Becker's lawyers had asked for a final chance to pay with the funds from remortgaging a property in Majorca, which was expected to raise €6 million (S$9.3 million).

However, registrar Christine Derrett said it was "with regret" that she came to the conclusion that he could not pay.

Becker, who won the Wimbledon men's singles title three times, works as a coach and TV pundit for the BBC and other media.

He continued in another tweet: "Life goes on... To all my fans/supporters/followers: Truly appreciate all your kind words!!!

"I have been in this game for 32 years and intend to stay longer.

"I will concentrate on my work and in particular my presenting duties at Wimbledon for the BBC and other international outlets."

AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE