Nick Kyrgios lays into ‘doughnut’ Boris Becker after Novak Djokovic’s former coach labelled the Aussie star a ‘rat’ for calling out his rivals for partying during the coronavirus pandemic
- Nick Kyrgios has been vocal in his criticism of fellow pros flouting Covid-19 rules
- Alex Zverev has been pictured ignoring social distancing measures once again
- Boris Becker labelled Kyrgios a ‘rat’ on Twitter for calling out his rivals’ behaviour
- Kyrgios was quick to hit back at ‘doughnut’ Becker and was furious at the ex-pro
Boris Becker and Nick Kyrgios have embarked on a war of words after Novak Djokovic’s former coach labelled the Australian a ‘rat’ for calling out his fellow professionals amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Kyrgios – so often labelled the bad boy of tennis – has been the voice of reason over the past few months, hitting out at the likes of Djokovic and Alexander Zverev for flouting social distancing and lockdown measures during the Covid-19 shutdown.
But Becker does not appear to side with Kyrgios and took to Twitter on Tuesday to vent his anger.
Boris Becker labelled Nick Kyrgios a ‘rat’ on Twitter for calling out his fellow professionals
Becker believes Kyrgios shouldn’t have been public in his criticism of players like Alex Zverev
‘Don’t like no #rats!’ he wrote. ‘Anybody telling off fellow sportsman/woman is no friend of mine! Look yourself in the mirror and think your better than us… @NickKyrgios.’
He then followed up his initial tweet with another similar message, noting: ‘We all live in the pandemic called #Covid_19 ! It’s terrible and it killed to many lives…we should protect our families/loved ones and follow the guidelines but still don’t like #rats.’
Kyrgios was quick to hit back at the three-time Wimbledon champion, writing: ‘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 [Zverev] to do what he has done, I’ll call him out for it. Simple.’
Kyrgios has been praised in recent weeks for slamming the actions of the likes of Zverev
Kyrgios told Becker not to ‘act like you’re my friend’ as their war of words on Twitter escalated
The Australian then took umbrage to being labelled a rat by the 52-year-old, replying again: ‘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.’
Kyrgios then hit out again at the old pro in a tweet to his 386,000 followers: ‘Boris Becker is a bigger doughnut than I thought. Can hit a volley, obviously not the sharpest tool in the shed though.’
Becker is a regular commentator and pundit for the BBC on their Wimbledon coverage
Zverev has been seen flouting social distancing guidelines on occasions during lockdown
Novak Djokovic (centre), who was coached by Becker, has also been at the centre of attention
It was then Becker’s turn to reply again, noting: ‘Your [sic] funny guy ….how is it down under? Respect all the guidelines?’
Kyrgios was not having any of it though, responding: ‘Haha nah bro I’m good, don’t act like you’re my friend now because you got sat down.’
Becker is a well-known commentator and pundit for the BBC, regularly appearing on the channel’s television coverage at Wimbledon.
He is also the former coach of world No 1 Djokovic, who has had a nightmare few weeks after hosting the ill-fated Adria Tour that saw several people – himself included – test positive for coronavirus.
Kyrgios (left) has not been afraid to hit out at friends when he believes they have done wrong
The Australian called Djokovic’s decision to hold his Adria Tour event ‘boneheaded’ last week