Boris Becker and Nick Kyrgios clash on social media. Both Becker and Kyrgios don’t mince their words
Boris Becker has not put up with statements from Nick Kyrgios. After the Australian criticized the way Becker and his players played tennis in his day, the German reacted angrily. This developed into a verbal exchange of blows on social networks.
“I watched Boris Becker and I’m not saying they weren’t good in their day, but to say they would be as good today is absurd,” said Kyrgios in an interview with The Athletic, adding: “The game was so slow back then!”
The Australian then explained that in the days of Becker’s success, a good serve was between 197 and 200 km/h. He himself would consistently hit 220 km/h in the corners, making the game “completely different” these days.
Becker questions Kyrgios’ credibility
If a player were to serve with less pace today, “Djokovic would eat you alive”, meaning the stars of yesteryear would have no chance in today’s game.
The answer from the six-time Grand Slam winner was not long in coming. “Nick’s been making a lot of noise about tennis lately!!! Why is he talking about a sport he apparently hates,” Becker questioned, adding that Nick had “never won a major championship as a player or coach. So where does the credibility come from?” he added on X.
The 56-year-old criticized the “attempt to compare generations.” After Kyrgios announced that he had an OnlyFans, Becker said he should rather talk to his followers there “about many things, except tennis”.
Kyrgios comments on Becker’s post several times
Kyrgios’ counter-reaction followed promptly in the comment columns under Becker’s post. As he himself has beaten stars such as Federer, Djokovic and Murray in his career, the 28-year-old feels he has at least “a little credibility”. What’s more, “basically 99% of the tennis tour isn’t credible then, is it? Potato!” Kyrgios also brought German tennis star Alexander Zverev, currently number seven in the ATP world rankings, into play. “No credibility? He hasn’t even won a Grand Slam in doubles yet.”
Nevertheless, “you don’t have to be a rocket scientist to see that Novak would wipe the floor with you at your best.” The statements are “not an attack, they’re just facts.”
The Australian also takes another swipe at Becker. “This guy is talking about credibility. Last time I checked, you were the one hiding assets,” commented Kyrgios.
