Australian tennis star Nick Kyrgios has been with the threat of coronavirus still firmly present. Now, it’s sparked an entertaining war of words with former world no. 1, Boris Becker.
He sounded the warning bells before Novak Djokovic’s disastrous Adria tour, where several players tested positive to COVID-19. He then went on to criticise world no. 7 Alexander Zverev, who tested negative after the tournament, but was ordered to self-isolate for 14 days. And then was filmed partying in Monaco, apparently breaking his own promise to stay in.
"So I wake up and I see more controversial things happening all over the world, but one that stuck out for me was seeing Sascha Zverev again man, again, again, how selfish can you be? How selfish can you be?" Kyrgios said in an Instagram post.
Fair call? Boris Becker didn’t think so.
The former Wimbledon grand slam winner - and former coach of Novak Djokovic - fuelled a mini-feud on Twitter, saying players should abide by guidelines, but labelled Kyrgios a “rat” for calling out players.
The matter is black and white for Becker: you don’t tell off fellow sportspeople.
“A bigger doughnut than I thought”
Becker’s rule isn’t something Kyrgios subscribes to. He quickly responded, saying, “For goodness sake Boris, I’m not competing or trying to throw anyone under the bus. It’s a global pandemic and if someone is as idiotic as Alex to do what he has done, I’ll call him out for it. Simple.”
Becker then moved to clarify his criticism prefacing that COVID-19 is “terrible and killed too many lives” and people should follow the guidelines -- but he still doesn’t like rats. Because calling things out is the problem here, according to Becker.
Kyrgios wasn’t holding back on being labelled a “rat” for holding someone accountable.
“Strange way to think of it champion, I’m just looking out for people. WHEN my family and families all over the world have respectfully done the right thing. And you have a goose waving his arms around, imma say something.”
Becker dug in.
But all he got was an off-court ace by Kyrgios.
The outspoken young Australian was supported in droves by eager tennis watchers and sports personalities.
Richard Ings, the former CEO of Australian Sports Anti Doping Authority and EVP Rules and Competition of ATP Tour, came to Kyrgios’ defence.
Ings called Krygois’ call-out of Djokovic and other tennis players “brave”.
Others were just gobsmacked by the whole ordeal.
Despite the overwhelming support, Becker continued his criticism of Kyrgios but decided to move his critiques to the tennis court.
“I really would like to see fulfill his potential and win a grand slam! He would be an incredible role model for for the youth of the world addressing the issues of equality/race/heritage! Man up buddy and deliver!”
But Kyrgios wasn’t taking the bait. He responded by saying, “How about the dude who you are defending mans up and gives us some sort of explanation? Not another average management apology.”
But it seems like Boris wants to stick by old school rules.
