The feud continues between Nick Kyrgios and Boris Becker, two of the characters of the game from different eras which has been a bone of contention after the latter asked Kyrgios for respect.
It began some weeks ago with Kyrgios comparing generations and saying the game was slow back in the day of Becker which saw the German use the Aussie ace's lack of desire to play tennis and also never winning a Grand Slam. Kyrgios clapped back with digs about his prison stint and how 99% of the tour also have never won anything including his 'boy' Alexander Zverev. This time it surrounded Becker trying to cool the feud by asking for respect for past legends on his Eurosport podcast.
“It’s simple, you have to respect the past of our sport, in addition to publicly thanking the former players," said Becker on Eurosport. "You must be grateful that they existed: without them, the tennis circus would not continue to exist, there have never been so many monetary prizes and there has never been as much publicity as there is today. Why? For the legends of this sport All these players made it possible for Nick Kyrgios not to play tennis all year round and that, even so, he can make a living with this sport”
To which Kyrgios responded on X (formerly Twitter). "Bro what. I’ve been one of the FEW PLAYERS that have brought million more fans to the sport and have made more money for everyone. NETFLIX…. Don’t remember seeing Boris on there, guy is ridiculous. I’ve made my career off the court without the help of the others."
He continued to stoke the flame in a separate tweet after Becker said the legends made it possible for current day stars to earn. "Uhhh what? I’ve been arguably one of the most watched players outside the big three the last decade? Fans around the world and have brought so many more people to the sport. I’ve created my own stuff off the court. Try to not hide any more assets."
