Former world No.1 Boris Becker has slammed Nick Kyrgios for publishing a video in which he criticised Alexander Zverev for attending a party over the weekend whilst supposedly self-isolating.
The German tennis legend has branded Kyrgios a ‘rat’ in an unexpected tweet published by him. Saying that any athlete who criticises another is ‘not a friend of his.’ On Sunday world No.7 Zverev was filmed attending a pack party on Sunday afternoon in Southern France less than a week after releasing a statement saying he would be going into self-isolation. Zverev played at the Adria Tour which had an outbreak of COVID-19 among both players and coaches. Shortly after Kyrgios called his rival on the tour ‘selfish’ during a video he uploaded onto Instagram which has triggered criticism from Becker.
“Don’t like no rats! Anybody telling off fellow sportsmen/women is no friend of mine! Look yourself in the mirror and think your better than us…@NickKyrgios,” Becker wrote on Twitter.
On the offensive, Kyrgios almost immediately defended himself against the criticism from Becker. Calling him ‘a bigger doughnut than he thought’ before arguing that it was right for him to criticise Zverev, who is yet to comment on his weekend activities.
“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.” He said.
One Twitter user challenged Becker’s comment by saying it was important to hold people accountable for their actions. However, the 52-year-old said it should be done so in private. Later suggesting that there is an ‘unspoken understanding between athletes’ where they keep things among themselves. Although Becker himself has publicly criticised Zverev on social media.
@AlexZverev broke the quarantine rules and he should be ashamed of himself! He is a role model for many tennis fans a bright star on the horizon but still don’t like rats … #word
— Boris Becker (@TheBorisBecker) June 30, 2020
Besides his comments over Kyrgios’ video, Becker then said he would like to see the Australian ‘man up’ and win a Grand Slam title. Making a reference to his at times controversial antics on the Tour. Kyrgios has previously received a suspended ban for breaking the code of conduct and is known for his fiery temperament on the court.
“I really would like to see Nick Kyrgios fulfil his potential and win a Grand Slam! He would be an incredible role model for the youth of the world addressing the issues of equality/race/heritage! Man up buddy and deliver!” He concluded.
However, a bemused Kyrgios hit back at that comment by saying it irrelevant in relation to their argument. Questioning why Zverev is yet to make a public statement.
“Why are you now talking about tennis? It has nothing to do with tennis? How about the dude who you are defending mans up and gives us some sort of explanation? Not another average management apology,” he replied.
