Four-time grand slam champion Arantxa Sanchez Vicario is facing a daunting fight away from the tennis courts.
Vicario, who spent 12 weeks as world No.1 during her career, has been taken to the courts over a multi-million dollar criminal complaint. Earlier this week it has emerged that the Banque de Luxembourg has filed a complaint with a court in Barcelona. It is in regards to a 5.2 million euro debt that has surged to 7.5 million euros.
The case is structured around Sanchez Vicario’s previous allegations of tax avoidance. Which initially got her a fine of $3.5M before it increased to $5.2M due to interest. According to Spanish outlet La Vanguardia, the bank successfully filed complaint three years ago for credit and property fraud. Although they are yet to receive any reimbursement. The 45-year-old earned almost $17M in prize money during her professional career.
It is now alleged by the bank that Sanchez Vicario and her former husband, Josep Santacana, deliberately tried to avoid paying the bank. Amounting to charges of fraud. Prosecutors say the duo implemented a structure when the selling of their assets has gone through shell companies. Meaning that they avoided honouring the judgement and paying back the bank. The pair is set to return to Spain in order to face a separate legal charge. Whilst in the country, the bank wants them to be both detained or be forced to pay a bond of $10 million.
Divorce problems
As well as the financial issues, Sanchez Vicario is also in the process of divorcing Santacana. A decision that was disclosed to the public last weekend. According to Spanish magazine Hola! the two have been living separate lives for almost two years and Santacana has been seeing another woman.
“This situation is very unpleasant for me.” She told Hola. “I trust my advisors and the courts fully.”
Their divorce is already a bitter one with both fighting over custody of their two children. Santacana, who is reportedly living with another woman, has said that former tennis player has psychological problems and is incapable of looking after her children. Despite the heated argument, it is reported that the two were last seen together at a party on December 9th. Less than a month before the divorce was filed.
As of yet, Sanchez Vicario has refused to go into details about her financial and personal issues.
