Boris Becker blasts Wimbledon umpire for making decision that 'nobody understands'

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Jack Otway

By Jack Otway


Published: 04/07/2025

- 14:35

The tennis legend has taken to social media

Boris Becker has launched a scathing attack on the umpire's decision to halt Ben Shelton's second-round Wimbledon match on Thursday evening.

The German tennis legend took to social media platform X to express his bewilderment at the controversial call.


"Why suspend the match when both players want to continue Shelton was about to serve for the match and never lost his serve in the entire match!!! Nobody understands the referee's decision!" Becker posted.

The controversial decision came at a pivotal moment in Thursday night's match, with American tenth seed Shelton poised to secure victory. Play was halted just as he was preparing to serve for the match at 6-2, 7-5, 5-4.

Boris Becker Wimbledon

Boris Becker has launched a scathing attack on the umpire's decision to halt Ben Shelton's second-round Wimbledon match on Thursday evening

GETTY/BBC

The announcement sparked immediate uproar from spectators on Court 2, with boos echoing around the arena. Shelton's reaction was equally dramatic, as he stormed towards his chair and had to be restrained by a court official.

Shelton then channelled his frustration towards the crowd, placing a finger to his ear in a gesture encouraging them to voice their displeasure. He angrily packed his belongings as the reality of the suspension set in.

The match had been progressing smoothly with Shelton dominating throughout, having won the first two sets 6-2 and 7-5. His service game remained impeccable, with the American not dropping a single service game during the entire contest against Rinky Hijikata.

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Earlier in the third set, there had been discussions about potentially suspending play when Shelton led 4-2.

Officials decided to continue at that point, only to make the contentious call moments later with Shelton leading 5-4 and about to serve for victory.

The timing proved particularly frustrating given Shelton's commanding performance and the likelihood that the match would have concluded within minutes.

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Both players must now return on Friday to complete what could be an extremely brief conclusion.

Shelton's frustration may be compounded by his own assessment of his Grand Slam performances. The American has previously expressed how major tournaments bring out his best tennis.

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"I play best at the majors," Shelton stated. "Probably down to the atmosphere. I love playing on the big stages. I love playing the big matches.

"I love competing in front of big crowds. It's just everything about it is special for me. It makes it the most fun."

Ben SheltonAmerican tennis player Ben Shelton had to be physically restrained after confronting the umpire when his Wimbledon second-round match was suspended due to bad light at 9:29pm on Thursday eveningBBC

The 22-year-old, who has yet to progress beyond the fourth round at Wimbledon, particularly values the five-set format.

"I love the long format. I think it helps me find my best tennis," he explained.