Becker, Kyrgios trade insults over Zverev video

BORIS Becker and Nick Kyrgios exchanged verbal blows yesterday on Twitter after the Australian branded fellow tennis star Alexander Zverev “selfish” for partying during the coronavirus pandemic, despite promising to self-isolate. German legend Becker, a six-time Grand Slam winner, took umbrage with Kyrgios’ comment over viral footage of Zverev partying despite pledging to “follow selfisolating guidelines” after playing in Novak Djokovic’s coronavirus-hit Adria Tour. Zverev took part in the exhibition event organized by Djokovic, who last week tested positive for COVID-19 along with Grigor Dimitrov, Borna Coric and Viktor Troicki. The 23-year-old Zverev tested negative and vowed to isolate but was purportedly filmed at a busy bar over the weekend, leading an exasperated Kyrgios to slam his behavior on Instagram on Monday. Becker stood up for his colleague and fired back at Kyrgios yesterday. “Don’t like no #rats! Anybody telling off fellow sportsman/woman is no friend of mine! Look yourself in the mirror and think you’re better than us... @NickKyrgios.” Kyrgios quickly responded amid of flurry of back-and-forth tweets. “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,” Kyrgios said. He followed up with: “@TheBorisBecker is a bigger doughnut than I thought. Can hit a volley, obviously not the sharpest tool in the shed though.” Becker was unimpressed. “I really would like to see @NickKyrgios fulfill 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!” wrote Becker. Kyrgios criticized Becker for defending Zverev, who he says should apologize for breaking his promise. “Why are you now talking about tennis? It has nothing to do with tennis?” said the Australian. BERLIN / AFP