"Lots of excuses": Boris Becker unmoved by Iga Swiatek's explanation about ballboy incident at Indian Wells

Former world number one Boris Becker has remained unconvinced from the explanation of women’s world number two Iga Swiatek about an incident involving a ball boy at the Indian Wells. The 23-year-old, who is regarded as one of the best players currently playing in women’s tennis in the singles category, is going through a bit of lean patch.

The five-time Grand Slam winner recently participated at the Indian Wells, where she lost to Russia’s young tennis sensation Mirra Andreeva in the semifinal with a score of 7-6, 1-6, 6-3. It was her second consecutive defeat against the 17-year-old. During the contest, Swiatek smashed the ball in anger, which was given to her by a ballboy. She was widely criticised for her behaviour, especially on social media.

The reigning world number two in women’s tennis, on Monday, explained her point of view about what happened on the court. "It's true - I expressed frustration in a way I'm not proud of,” she wrote. “My intention was never to aim the ball at anyone but merely to release my frustration by bouncing it on the ground. I immediately apologized to the ball boy, we made eye contact, and nodded to each other when I expressed regret that it happened near him. I've seen many players bounce balls in frustration, and frankly, I didn't expect such harsh judgments. Usually, I control such impulses, so half-jokingly I can say I lack experience in this and misjudged my aim in the heat of the moment. When I'm highly focused and don't show many emotions on court, I'm called a robot, my attitude labeled as inhuman. Now that I'm more expressive, showing feelings or struggling internally, I'm suddenly labeled immature or hysterical.”

Former world number one Becker, in a post on the social media platform X—previously known as Twitter — expressed that he was unconvinced by Swiatek’s explanation. "Lots of excuses and looooong explanations… not sure anymore! Usually always supporting the players ! I wish Iga to find her peace on the tennis 🎾 court ! She is a proven champion!,” he wrote.