On the hallowed grass of Wimbledon’s Centre Court, where the women’s final unfolded on July 12, 2025, all eyes were not only on the fierce battle between Iga Swiatek and Amanda Anisimova but also on the chair umpire overseeing the match: Miriam Bley. The German official, presiding over her first Wimbledon singles final, has become a polarizing figure in tennis, known for a string of contentious decisions that have drawn ire from players worldwide. Yet, her reputation is also defined by a moment of compassion when she protected British star Emma Raducanu from a stalker during a distressing incident at the Dubai Open earlier this year, highlighting the complex duality of her career.
Bley, a Gold Badge Chair Umpire since 2019 and a WTA Team member since 2021, stepped into the spotlight at 4 p.m. to officiate the clash between Swiatek, a five-time Grand Slam champion, and Anisimova, a rising Russian-American star in her first Wimbledon final. For Bley, this marked a career milestone, her first time chairing a Grand Slam singles final after previously overseeing the ladies’ doubles final at Roland Garros. However, her ascent to this prestigious role has been marred by a history of controversial calls that have sparked heated confrontations on the court. One such incident occurred at the 2023 Australian Open, where French veteran Jeremy Chardy unleashed a fiery tirade after Bley failed to notice a ball falling from his pocket during a rally against Dan Evans. The point was awarded to Evans despite a late let call, prompting Chardy to rage, “I’ve played for 20 years and I’ve never had an umpire as bad as you. You don’t see a ball. Where are you looking? Are you looking at the birds? Are you looking somewhere in the crowd?” The 10-minute shouting match became a defining moment, cementing Bley’s reputation as a lightning rod for player frustration.
Players across the ATP and WTA Tours have criticized Bley for inconsistent rulings and perceived lapses in focus, with some labeling her decisions as “dodgy.” Even Raducanu, whom Bley once aided, has clashed with her over calls in the past, adding a layer of irony to their shared history. Despite these controversies, Bley’s actions in Dubai earlier this year showcased her ability to rise above the fray in a crisis. During Raducanu’s second-round match against Karolina Muchova, the 22-year-old Briton noticed a man in the stands who had been exhibiting “fixated behavior” toward her, following her to tournaments in Singapore, Abu Dhabi, and Doha. The day prior, he had approached her in a coffee shop, leaving a letter and requesting a photo, which left her unnerved. Spotting him courtside, Raducanu broke down in tears, unable to continue. Bley, acting swiftly, shielded the visibly distraught player behind her umpire’s chair, offering comfort as she radioed tournament officials to remove the man. “I saw him in the first game of the match and I was like, ‘I don’t know how I’m going to finish,’” Raducanu later shared, admitting she “couldn’t see the ball through tears” and “could barely breathe.” The man, later banned from WTA events and issued a restraining order, was also blocked from purchasing Wimbledon tickets this year after his name was flagged in the public ballot.
Bley’s decisive intervention earned praise from Raducanu, who told reporters, “I’ve had great protection whenever I have been at these events recently. I feel a difference, and that reassures me and makes me feel more comfortable.” The incident underscored the heightened security measures at tournaments, with Wimbledon’s All England Club chief executive Sally Bolton emphasizing their collaboration with the Met Police and specialized threat teams to ensure player safety. Yet, for Bley, the Dubai moment remains a rare highlight in a career often scrutinized for errors. Her critics argue that her gaffes—such as missing critical on-court incidents—have disrupted matches and eroded trust among players, with some questioning her readiness for high-stakes assignments like a Wimbledon final.
As Swiatek and Anisimova battled for the coveted title, Bley’s presence in the chair was a subplot of its own. The tennis world watched closely, hoping the focus would remain on the players’ brilliance rather than officiating controversies. For Raducanu, now ranked No. 40 and fresh off a third-round loss to world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka, Bley’s protective actions in Dubai remain a testament to her compassion, even as her umpiring decisions continue to divide the sport. With a career marked by both heroism and controversy, Bley’s journey reflects the intense pressures of officiating at tennis’s highest level, where every call—and every act of humanity—resonates far beyond the court.
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