“You can’t compare it to Djokovic” – Boris Becker fires back at fans who wanted Lorenzo Musetti disqualified for kicking ball at line-judge

Boris Becker Defends Lorenzo Musetti Amid French Open Controversy

At the 2025 French Open, Lorenzo Musetti faced controversy during his quarter-final match against Frances Tiafoe, where he accidentally struck a line judge with a tennis ball after kicking it in frustration during the second set. The incident, which occurred on June 4, 2025, sparked debate among fans on X, with some calling for Musetti’s disqualification, drawing parallels to Novak Djokovic’s 2020 US Open default for a similar act. Boris Becker, a retired tennis star and TNT analyst, swiftly defended the Italian, stating, “You can’t compare it to Djokovic. Let’s keep things in perspective.” Becker praised the umpire’s decision not to disqualify Musetti, noting the accidental nature of the incident. Tim Henman, another former player, agreed, explaining that while the rules allow for disqualification if a ball hits an official, Musetti’s intent was not malicious, and a default would have been harsh. Musetti went on to win 6-3, 4-6, 6-2, 7-5, securing his first Grand Slam semi-final berth.

Meanwhile, the tennis world continues to grapple with broader issues, such as Iga Swiatek’s scheduling controversy and comments from Patrick Mouratoglou comparing her to Serena Williams, as well as Fallon Sherrock’s emotional announcement of a 2026 darts hiatus due to health struggles. Luke Littler’s debut at the Nordic Darts Masters in Copenhagen also draws attention, highlighting the intense pressure young athletes face across sports. Musetti’s incident, while controversial, underscores the fine line between intent and consequence in high-stakes competition.