MUNICH (Germany), Nov 17: German prosecutors have opened a probe against former tennis champion Boris Becker on suspicion of tax evasion, news weekly Focus reported in an article to be published Monday.

The magazine said that Becker is accused of failing to pay taxes on 33 million marks (15 million dollars) in income since 1985 by falsely claiming that his main residence is in Monaco.

According to a report filed by tax authorities in August which is the basis of the prosecutors’ investigation, Becker’s base of operations from the time of his first Wimbeldon victory in 1985 has been his parents’ home in the southwestern German town of Leimen.

Investigators say Becker’s father Karl-Heinz dealt with sponsors, signed contracts and collected prize money for Becker in Leimen, Focus reported.

Becker’s lawyers now have until the end of November to answer the accusations, after which prosecutors will decide whether to bring charges.—AFP