Tennis legends Boris Becker and Pat Cash back Dominic Thiem in row with Serena Williams
Tennis greats Boris Becker and Pat Cash have backed Dominic Thiem in his row with Serena Williams, as the furore created over the press conference controversy rumbles on.
Williams forced Thiem to end his press conference prematurely as she insisted he wanted to take his seat in the media room, with French Open officials bowing to the demands of the 23-time Grand Slam champion as Thiem was forced to make way.
Former French Open champion Thiem has been highly critical of Williams’ behaviour, as he suggested her refusal to wait for her turn in the interview room reflected badly on the American.
“It shows a bad personality in my opinion,” declared Thiem. I am 100 percent sure Roger Federer or Rafael Nadal would never do something like that.”
Now Eurosport tennis expert Boris Becker has expressed his sympathy with Thiem, as he suggested Williams was wrong to assert her influence in such a forceful manner.
“I am with Dominic Thiem on this one,” declared Becker. “He is a Roland-Garros finalist. He’s mature and one of the main players on the men’s tour and if he’s giving an interview in a press conference and he hasn’t finished then everyone else has to wait, including Serena Williams.
“I think it was unfortunate for the organisers to put both players in this situation – they should know Dominic Thiem is having a press conference, when he’s finished it’s Serena’s turn. It was awkward for the players and poor organisation.”
Becker’s fellow Eurosport expert Pat Cash agreed with those sentiments as he stated: “The way Dominic Thiem reacted was 100% spot on, good on him.
“Everyone has screwed up there, he’s not some junior, he’s a guy that got to the French Open final last year, semi-final the year before, he’s top 10, he’s one of the favourites here. For Serena to say “I’m going in no matter what…” or the organisers to decide to move Thiem on was really wrong, really disrespectful.”
Follow us on Twitter @T365Official and like our Facebook page.
More from Tennis365:
Latest
-
Tennis News
‘Novak Djokovic’s problem is psychological’, assesses Roger Federer’s former coach
“Undoubtedly, ‘Nole’ must have fire inside, otherwise he is missing something.”
-
Tennis News
Daniil Medvedev discusses his popularity compared to Carlos Alcaraz as he offers a theory
“For me, the result is the most important, it’s more important than, let’s say, looking good on the court.”
-
Tennis News
Andy Roddick gives honest verdict on Novak Djokovic’s shock coaching split
“I was surprised. You don’t look to make moves in March or April. This has had to be a surprise to both of them.”
-
ATP Tour
Jannik Sinner makes revealing comment on his eyesight after Miami Open win
Jannik Sinner opened up on his use of contact lenses on court.
-
Tennis News
Martina Navratilova serves up a desperate verdict on Andy Murray’s comeback hopes
Andy Murray is likely to have to wait several days to learn how long he will be sidelined for by the ankle injury he suffered in Miami.
-
Tennis News
Jannik Sinner reveals he has been having Call of Duty sessions with Italian football hero
Jannik Sinner has had some high-profile gaming clashes with Italy’s No 1 goalkeeper.
-
Tennis News
Former British No 1 offers up a theory to explain Novak Djokovic’s shock announcement
Has Novak Djokovic lined up a new coach following his decision to part ways with Goran Ivanisevic?
-
ATP Tour
Novak Djokovic’s bombshell announcement fuels growing doubts over his tennis future
Speculation swirling over Novak Djokovic’s long-term future in tennis after his shock move.
-
Tennis News
Novak Djokovic’s final moments of dominance were hard to spot – can he reclaim his crown?
Novak Djokovic’s reign as the king of men’s tennis appeared to be set to run and run – but the mood has changed.
-
WTA Tour
Victoria Azarenka used ‘parenting techniques’ to cope with Miami Open technical meltdown
Victoria Azarenka’s latest match was held up as the line-calling technology broke down – and she was not impressed.