Nick Kyrgios and Boris Becker in furious exchange over Novak Djokovic claim
Boris Becker has hit back at Nick Kyrgios on social media after the Australian tennis star claimed that Novak Djokovic would outclass him and the game's other greats from years gone by.
Djokovic, 36, is regarded as one of the finest tennis players of all-time and has won more Grand Slams (24) than any other male player in the history of the sport, including a record 10 Australian Open titles.
And during a recent interview with The Athletic, Kyrgios, 28, outlined that he felt the elite players from previous eras would be "eaten alive" by Djokovic because of how significantly the sport has evolved in recent years.
Citing serve speeds and the overall pace and intensity of the sport, Kyrgios explained: "The game was so slow back then. I've watched Boris Becker and I'm not saying they weren't good in their time, but to say that they would be just as good now, it's absurd.
"A big serve back then was like 197 to 200 [km/h]. People like me, we serve 220 consistently, to corners. It's a whole different ball game. Serve and volley, to do it all the time now, you need to be serving 220, because if you serve anything less than 220, Djokovic eats you alive."
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In the aftermath of the interview, Kyrgios' comments have sparked a blunt response from Becker, who was quick to point out his dearth of major title. In a post on social media, he said: "Nick makes a lot of noise about tennis lately!?! Why does he speak about a sport he apparently hates?
"Fact-check Nick has never won a major championship as a player or coach... so where is any credibility coming from? Speak to your OnlyFans about many things but [not] tennis!"
Join the debate! Do you agree with Kyrgios? Let us know here.
Becker hit back at Kyrgios online after the Australian's interview (Tristar Media/Getty Images)Kyrgios fired back, posting: "One thing is for sure I'm not gonna be sitting here in 20-30 years time, claiming that I could compete and compare to the new kids on the block. It's definitely an ego thing.
"Also I mean I've beaten [Roger] Federer, [Rafael] Nadal, Djokovic, [Andy] Murray so I feel like I have a little credibility… but it doesn't take a rocket scientist to see that Novak would wipe the floor against you in your prime? Like it's not an attack. It's just facts."
He then referenced Becker's jail sentence for tax evasion, adding: "Hahahaha this bloke speaking about credibility... last I checked you were the one hiding assets no? And I appreciate the @OnlyFans shoutout!!!! Got the Boris Becker speaking about the brand!!!! Always knew you kept up with my business collaborations."
Kyrgios, who was a Wimbledon finalist back in 2022, has yet to win a Grand Slam singles title but did win the Australian Open men's doubles title with Thanasi Kokkinakis earlier that year.
Becker, by contrast, won six Grand Slam titles and remains the youngest ever person to win Wimbledon after triumphing in SW19 at the tender age of 17. He is also considered one of the all-time greats of the sport.
Kyrgios has missed the majority of the 2023 campaign after tearing wrist ligaments back in June. He has slipped down to 192 in the world rankings due to inactivity through that injury.
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