Nick Kyrgios once again directed comments at Boris Becker during the quarterfinals broadcast of the 2024 Australian Open, particularly in the match between Alexander Zverev and Carlos Alcaraz.
Kyrgios’ involvement in the broadcasts had drawn attention, especially given that Becker, the current coach of Holger Rune, was also scheduled to provide commentary. However, the Australian had not explicitly addressed the 7-times Grand Slam champion until now.
During the broadcast, commentator Nick Lester discussed the significance of Zverev reaching the semifinals for German tennis, acknowledging Zverev’s consistency in Grand Slam performances but noting that he still trails behind Becker’s achievements:
“Looking to reach a seventh Major semi-final in his career. If you put him side-by-side on some of the German greats he would actually surpass Michael Stich’s number tonight if he can win,” he said. “Boris Becker still way out in front with his 18 Grand Slam semi-finals. You get on well with Boris, don’t you Nick?”
Kyrgios responded, “Yeah me and Boris go way back. Way back.” Lester then brought up their social media exchange from a few weeks ago, alluding to their previous argument: “We enjoyed that exchange on social media a few weeks ago.”
“I mean according to him Zverev has got no knowledge on tennis. Only Grand Slam champions do. Absurd statement,” the former Wimbledon finalist remarked. Kyrgios was referencing something Becker said during their online spat, which started when the Australian used the six-time Major winner as an example while claiming that former champions were no match for today’s players.
Kyrgios – Becker controversy
28-year-old Australian tennis player Nick Kyrgios and former world No. 1 German player Boris Becker recently got into a social media dispute. It began when Kyrgios commented that past tennis legends wouldn’t fare well in today’s game:
“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,” Kyrgios wrote a month ago.
Becker took offense to Kyrgios’ remarks and questioned the credibility of someone who has never won a Grand Slam, both as a player or coach: “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!”
Not once have I taken ‘slams’ away from Becker, or any of these legends. Not once have I said I’ve impacted the game MORE. I’ve simply said that I’ve built my own brand and done it my way & brought fans. Apparently a slam finalist has no credibility. Night, done with this convo.
— Nicholas Kyrgios (@NickKyrgios) December 19, 2023
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