But Registrar Christine Derrett said it was “with regret” she concluded there was a lack of credible evidence that his “substantial” debt would be paid soon, refusing to adjourn the case for another 28 days.
She said of 49-year-old Becker, who did not attend the hearing: “One has the impression of a man with his head in the sand.”
The bankruptcy application was made by private bankers Arbuthnot Latham & Co in connection with a judgment debt owed to them by Becker dating as far back as 2015.
Becker’s lawyers argued the tennis ace would be able to pay the debt through a refinancing arrangement, involving remortgaging a property in Majorca expected to raise €6million (£5.26million).
His advocate told the registrar Becker expected the deal would be approved by a Spanish bank in about a month.
He said it would be in the bank’s interest for Becker to pay off the debt.
When the registrar was told that Becker was a television commentator, she replied: “I know exactly who he is. I remember watching him play on Centre Court, which probably shows my age.”
Becker’s advocate, John Briggs, told the registrar bankruptcy was likely to have an adverse effect on the former tennish champ’s “image”.
But she replied: “He should have thought about that a long time ago.”
She added: “It is not often the case that a professional person has a judgment outstanding against them since October 2015. This is a historic debt.
“One has the impression of a man with his head in the sand.”
Mr Briggs said: “He is not a sophisticated individual when it comes to finances.
“I am asking for a real last chance for Mr Becker to come good … It has just taken longer than anticipated.”
Mr Becker, once reputedly worth £27million, stunned the world back in 1985 when he became the youngest player to win Wimbledon at 17.
The father-of-four went on to rack up six grand slams and romanced a succession of beautiful women.
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