Boris Becker recently offered advice to Nick Kyrgios, urging him to recognize the historical contributions of past tennis players amidst their ongoing dispute over different tennis eras. Becker, a six-time Grand Slam champion, shared his perspective on the matter during Eurosport Germany’s "Das Gelbe vom Ball" podcast. Kyrgios had claimed that contemporary tennis stars outshine those from earlier times, citing changes in the speed and style of the game.
Becker, in response to Kyrgios' remarks, defended the legacy of past players and stressed the importance of respecting their impact on the sport. The disagreement extended to social media, with Becker questioning Kyrgios' credibility due to his lack of major championship victories as a player or coach.
The former tennis champion emphasized the significant role of past legends in shaping the current state of tennis, attributing increased prize money and publicity to their contributions. He specifically mentioned iconic Australian players and highlighted the success of players like McEnroe, Connors, Borg, and Lendl in popularizing and commercializing the sport.
Becker underscored that the financial rewards and exposure available to today's players are a direct result of the efforts made by players from previous decades. He pointed out that the achievements of past generations have paved the way for current players like Kyrgios to enjoy financial stability, even during periods of inactivity.
On the other hand, Kyrgios, despite winning a Grand Slam doubles title, has yet to secure a Grand Slam singles title. Becker noted that contemporary players like Kyrgios benefit from the groundwork laid by past generations, allowing them financial security even when not actively participating in tournaments.
Kyrgios, who faced multiple injury problems, hinted at a potential retirement during a recent podcast interview with Jay Shetty, expressing a lack of enthusiasm to continue playing.
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