Nick Krygios’ tirade against Alexander Zverev, after videos of the latter breaking quarantine and partying emerged, seems to have incensed German legend Boris Becker.
The former Wimbledon champion took to Twitter to blow off steam and called Kyrgios a ‘rat’ for criticizing a fellow player publicly.
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.
— Nicholas Kyrgios (@NickKyrgios) June 30, 2020
“Don’t like no #rats!” Becker, a six-time Grand Slam winner said. “Anybody telling off fellow sportsman/woman is no friend of mine! Look yourself in the mirror and think your better than us…@NickKyrgios @farfetch.”
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“For goodness sake Boris, I’m not competing or trying to throw anyone under the bus,” Kyrgios replied. “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.”
Kyrgios has been quite a polarising figure in the tennis world.
And the outspoken Australian has been extremely vocal against the badly-executed Adria Tour. Zverev, the 23-year-old German, was part of the Balkan exhibition charity event hosted by Novak Djokovic, who Becker used to previously coach.
Rats? 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.
— Nicholas Kyrgios (@NickKyrgios) June 30, 2020
Four players, including Djokovic, had tested positive at the Adria Tour. Though Zverev wasn’t one of them, he had put out a tweet saying that he will self-isolate as a precaution.
But late on Sunday, a video showing Zverev partying in Eze, France started circulating on social media. Kyrgios had slammed the German for being selfish. And on Tuesday, exchanged blows with Germany’s ATP Cup captain, Becker on Twitter.
Haha nah bro I’m good, don’t act like you’re my friend now because you got sat down.
— Nicholas Kyrgios (@NickKyrgios) June 30, 2020
There is an unspoken understanding between athletes! Whatever happens on the court stays there including the lockers! Nobody will talk about it … #respect #sport #fellowship
— Boris Becker (@TheBorisBecker) June 30, 2020
I really would like to se @NickKyrgios fulfill his potential and win a grandslam! 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! @atptour @ITF_Tennis
— Boris Becker (@TheBorisBecker) June 30, 2020
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