Becker tips a boom for maligned Nick

BORIS Becker has pleaded with Nick Kyrgios’ critics to cut the embattled Australian some slack, predicting the controversial firebrand will eventually win Wimbledon.

A triple All England Club champion, Becker watched Kyrgios plummet out of contention with first-round retirement to France’s PierreHugues Herbert with a chronic hip complaint.

Becker, who won Wimbledon twice as a teen, sees similarities between the way he was treated in Germany to how Kyrgios is scorned.

“He’s a proud Australian,” Becker said. “He’s represented

Australia in Davis Cup and done very well. He’s a young man, he’s developing, but he’s an unbelievable talent.

“Is he perfect? No. But was John McEnroe perfect? Was I perfect? No. Players with a bit of character, a bit of dash, we are different.”

Becker said Kyrgios would regroup from Monday’s savage

disappointment to become Wimbledon champion.

“It’s disappointing. I saw on his face that he’s really, really down on himself,” the former world No.1 said. “I’m sure he’ll win this title one day. He’s got the quality, character, confidence - borderline arrogance - that you need to play on centre court.

“Bottom line, he loves tennis, he loves winning. Give him some more time.’’

Kyrgios will consult a London specialist to gauge the true extent of the hip injury.

“It’s just a bit unlucky what happened. I don’t think it’s career-ending or anything,’’ Kyrgios said. “I just didn’t have enough time to get it better. Simple as that. Just didn’t have enough time.”

Kyrgios intends to recuperate and then contest Atlanta and Washington as preparation for next month’s US Open. The Davis Cup semi-final runs from September 15, five days after Flushing Meadow finishes.

He will “do everything possible’’ to avoid surgery.

“I’m obviously a little bit scared, obviously. But I don’t think I need it at the moment,” he said. “I don’t think anyone wants to go down the surgery route.

“I had it right after Paris. I wasn’t feeling it at all. When I initially got on the grass, I wasn’t feeling my hip at all.”

Picture: AFP PHOTO Australia's Nick Kyrgios returns against France's Pierre-Hughes Herbert, before retiring from their men's singles first round match at Wimbledon.