Nick Kyrgios claims he has ‘brought million more fans’ as Boris Becker feud continues
Nick Kyrgios has responded to Boris Becker after the player suggested he should be more grateful to the former legends who paved the way for today’s ATP Tour.
Kyrgios was sidelined for most of 2023, playing just one game as he battled injuries to his knee, foot and wrist.
However, Australian players still voice their opinions about the sport, both on social media and in recent appearances as commentators on the Tennis Channel.
Good day 1 🔥🤞🏾 https://t.co/ap4R2Nqhif
– Nicholas Kyrgios (@NickKyrgios) 15. November 2023
Recently, Kyrgios claimed in an interview with The Athletic that the game in his time was very slow, sparking a feud with Becker: “The game was very slow in those days. “I’ve seen them, but that doesn’t mean they were that way.” It’s ridiculous to say that their times weren’t good, but they’ll be just as good now. ”
Becker told Kyrgios in an interview with Eurosport that the 2022 Wimbledon finalists need to “respect the past”, adding: “We live in a democracy. Everyone can think what they want.” We need to respect the past and say a loud “thank you” that these old professionals exist. Because without them his tennis circus would no longer exist. ”
The 56-year-old continued: “Let’s start with Australia: Rod Laver, Ken Rosewall, John Newcombe, Ken Loach – the gladiators of Australian tennis. Then we have to mention Patrick Rafter and Lleyton Hewitt .They were all number one and won Grand Slam tournaments.
“I would go further into the question of generations and say: In the 70s, John McEnroe, Jimmy Connors, Bjorn Borg and Ivan Lendl came along. and attracted people to television,” Becker said. “The results can be seen today. Never before have so many prizes been paid out, and never before has there been so much publicity as there is today. It’s all thanks to the legend. /p>
“I played a little bit in the 80s and you had (Stefan) Edberg and (Mats) Wilander. In the 90s it was Andre Agassi and Pete Sampras. Thanks to all of those players, Nick Kyrgios. can make a living playing tennis without playing any tennis this year.”
Kyrgios, who has won a total of $12,486,696 in career prize money, responded to Becker on social media, saying he has “gained millions of fans to this sport.”
“Hey, what’s going on? class=”css-1qaijid r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0 r-poiln3″> “I was one of the few players who brought millions of fans to the sport and brought in more money for everyone,” the 28-year-old claimed. ” class=”css-1qaijid r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0 r-poiln3″>NETFLIX…. I don’t remember seeing Boris there. That guy is ridiculous. I’m looking for someone else’s help I built a career off the field without it.”
Nick Kyrgios responded to Boris Becker’s comments suggesting that he needs to show respect to the legends of the game 📢@NickKyrgios | #atptour pic.twitter.com/BWEtOZBFoE
– Eurosport (@eurosport) 19. December 2023
Kyrgios continued his response, including a suggestive comment about Becker’s recent prison sentence. I think he’s probably one of the most-watched players outside of the big three over the past decade, with fans all over the world attracting even more people to the sport. I created my own off the field. Please do not hide additional assets x”
Uhhh what? I’ve been arguably one of the most watched players outside the big three the last decade? Fans around the world and have brought so many more people to the sport. I’ve created my own stuff off the court. Try to not hide any more assets x https://t.co/PABiwrEYGY
– Nicholas Kyrgios (@NickKyrgios) 19. December 2023
In the baseline…
Nick Kyrgios has often been outspoken during his time in the spotlight, so it’s no surprise that he’s seeking the last word in this controversy. There’s some debate between the two, as the legends of the past have undoubtedly led the sport to where it is today, and Kyrgios is definitely bringing a new audience to tennis
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