Kyrgios, Becker spar over Zverev’s partying video

Canberra, June 30

Nick Kyrgios and Boris Becker traded insults on social media following the Australian’s criticism of Alexander Zverev after a video appeared to show the German dancing in a crowded club despite the Covid-19 pandemic. The video was posted on Instagram by German designer Philipp Plein and later deleted. There was no indication of when the video was taken. Zverev said last week he would self-isolate after playing in Novak Djokovic’s ill-fated Adria Tour exhibition tournament in Serbia and Croatia, which had to be abandoned after numerous players tested positive for Covid-19.

Kyrgios on Monday called Zverev, the current men’s world No. 7, “selfish”, prompting a rebuke from Becker. “Don’t like no #rats! Anybody telling off fellow sportsman/woman is no friend of mine! Look yourself in the mirror and think your better than us… @NickKyrgios,” Becker said on Twitter.

Kyrgios was prompt in his reply: “For goodness sake Boris, I’m not competing or trying to throw anyone under the bus. It’s a global pandemic and if someone is as idiotic as Alex to do what he has done, I’ll call him out for it. Simple.”

Zverev, 23, took part in Djokovic’s event, which saw crowds packed into stands in Belgrade while players hugged at the net and played basketball in Croatia. The German said he and his team had tested negative. “We all live in the pandemic called Covid-19! It’s terrible and it killed too many lives…we should protect our families and follow the guidelines but still don’t like #rats @NickKyrgios,” Becker continued. — Reuters