John McEnroe and Sue Barker were both criticised for referencing former BBC pundit Becker during the broadcaster’s coverage of Wimbledon this year.
“Boris is a friend of mine. This is just horrible,” McEnroe said. “I want to see him if I possibly can and if he’s willing to see people. I just feel terrible. He’s one of the greatest players that ever played the game. He’s been going through a lot for a long time. He kept telling me it’s going to be OK, it’s under control. That’s Boris.”
McEnroe said during commentary of a match later in the tournament: “Boris, we love you. We miss you, man.”
Barker, who ended her 30-year reign as the BBC’s lead Wimbledon presenter, added: “We do indeed.”
Becker’s potential deportation means that he will not be involved in the coverage of Wimbledon again.