In a fiery exchange on social media, Australian tennis star Nick Kyrgios has taken on German tennis icons Boris Becker and Alexander Zverev, questioning their credibility off and on the court after Becker criticized his recent comments. Kyrgios, known for his outspoken nature, responded following a series of heated exchanges on social media between Becker and him.
The dispute originated from Kyrgios’ recent interview, where he discussed the evolution of tennis, particularly the increase in serving speed. Kyrgios expressed doubt about past legends like Becker making any impact in today’s fast-paced game, stating, “The game was so slow back then. I’ve watched Boris Becker and I’m not saying they weren’t good…but to say that they would be just as good now, it’s absurd.”
Becker, unimpressed, challenged Kyrgios’ credibility, highlighting his lack of Grand Slam singles titles and criticizing his comparisons across different tennis eras. Undeterred, Kyrgios defended himself by citing victories over the ‘Big 4’ and mocking Becker’s legal troubles during his bankruptcy days, stating, “Hahahaha this bloke speaking about credibility… last I checked you were the one hiding assets.”
Hahahaha this bloke speaking about credibility…… last I checked you were the one hiding assets no?
— Nicholas Kyrgios (@NickKyrgios) December 13, 2023
Kyrgios extended the argument to include Becker’s compatriot, Alexander Zverev, questioning Zverev’s credibility for not winning even a doubles Grand Slam, unlike Kyrgios, who at least won one. He remarked, “What about your boy Zverev? No credibilty? He hasn’t even won a doubles grand slam?” Driving home the point that, by this logic, 99% of the tennis tour shouldn’t have any credibility.
Basically 99% of the tennis tour doesn’t have credibility then? Potato 🥔 what about your boy Zverev? No credibilty? He hasn’t even won a doubles grandslam?
— Nicholas Kyrgios (@NickKyrgios) December 13, 2023
Krgios not only defended his credibility but also placed Becker and Zverev in the spotlight once more. This nasty feud and the strained relationship, however, are not recent; they have a history that dates back a few years. Let’s delve into their previous sour relationships!
The 2020 story of verbal volleys between Nick Kyrgios and Boris Becker
Boris Becker, the former world no. 1 with 49 ATP singles titles, including six Grand Slam wins, found himself embroiled in a verbal duel with Nick Kyrgios in the year 2020 when tennis had just resumed after the stringent COVID lockdown. Kyrgios, boasting seven tour titles, had been the rising star of Australian tennis but had yet to secure a major title.
Tensions ignited when Kyrgios, renowned for his outspoken nature, voiced concerns about the resumption of international tennis amid the persistent threat of the coronavirus. Aiming at world no. 7 Alexander Zverev for his post-Adria Tour where he was seen partying around, Kyrgios questioned him, “How selfish can you be?” This sparked a social media spat, drawing ire from Zverev’s compatriot, Boris Becker.
Expressing his disapproval for calling out his fellow players, Becker labeled Kyrgios as a ‘rat’ in his post, “Don’t like no #rats! Anybody telling off fellow sportsman/woman is no friend of mine…@NickKyrgios.”
Basically 99% of the tennis tour doesn’t have credibility then? Potato 🥔 what about your boy Zverev? No credibilty? He hasn’t even won a doubles grandslam?
— Nicholas Kyrgios (@NickKyrgios) December 13, 2023
Kyrgios did not hold back; he responded with a post suggesting Boris Becker be a ‘doughnut’ for his insensitivity towards the pandemic, tweeting, “@TheBorisBecker is a bigger doughnut than I thought. can hit a volley, obviously not the sharpest tool in the shed though.” The exchange escalated as Kyrgios defended his actions, asserting that he was genuinely concerned for the well-being of people amidst the global pandemic.
@TheBorisBecker is a bigger doughnut than I thought. 😂😂 can hit a volley, obviously not the sharpest tool in the shed though.
— Nicholas Kyrgios (@NickKyrgios) June 30, 2020
While some in the tennis world praised Kyrgios for speaking out, Becker continued to criticize him. Becker suggested that Kyrgios should focus on his tennis career and be a positive influence. Kyrgios, on the other hand, didn’t pay heed to Becker’s comments; instead, he emphasized the need for accountability in the situation. The bitter exchange of sharp words between the two continues.