Boris Becker’s latest defeat on grass … at his Spanish villa

The German tennis star has been prevented from selling his £15million property on Majorca following a row with his gardener, who claims Becker owes him £246,000 for the grounds’ upkeep.  A court in Palma had decided to hold the debt against the villa, meaning that if he does not pay up, it will be claimed against any eventual sale. Becker confirmed there was an ongoing dispute but said he would appeal against the court’s ruling.  “There is a lawsuit and we are fighting it,” he said. “They wanted more money than they were supposed to get. It is my house and hasn’t been taken.”  The property has been on the market since 2007 and the 43–year–old wanted the gardens in pristine condition for the benefit of potential buyers. Becker’s lawyer told the court that his estate agent had agreed to take on the cost of maintaining the 65–acre grounds until he had sold the property.  But the agent, Matthias Kühn, denied this and said he had no responsibility for the German’s debts.   The case is just the latest in a string of financial headaches that the villa, in Arta, has caused Becker since he bought it in 1997. In 2001, he was ordered to tear half of it down after losing a battle with plan–ning officials and two years later was fined for failing to do so.  His extensive renovations had included the creation of servants’ quarters, two guest houses, a swimming pool and a tennis court.  Furious residents said he had flouted local laws by building the vast complex on an exclusive stretch of coastline and seeking permission afterwards.  Becker now lives in Switzerland with his wife Lilly but is currently staying at his home in SW19.