Australian great says ‘it is good’ Nick Kyrgios is ‘calling people out’, but wants it done behind closed doors
Australian legend John Newcombe has backed Nick Kyrgios for “calling people out” during the coronavirus pandemic, but admits he doesn’t like the fact that the dirty laundry is being aired in public.
Kyrgios took to social media last week to hit out at the controversial Adria Tour after it came to a shuddering halt as world No 1 Novak Djokovic, Girgor Dimitrov, Borna Coric, Viktor Troicki and several non-playing staff members tested positive for coronavirus.
Alexander Zverev also featured in the Balkans exhibition tournament, but returned a negative test and promised to self-isolate.
However, a video of Zverev partying emerged on social media over the weekend and Kyrgios was critical of the German.
Enter Boris Becker.
The tennis great then got involved in a Twitter spat with Kyrgios, writing: “We should protect our families/loved ones and follow the guidelines but still don’t like #rats.”
Boris Becker and ‘rat’ Nick Kyrgios involved in Twitter spat as Adria Tour bickering continues
Newcombe says Kyrgios is in his right to criticise those who don’t adhere to Covid-19 protocols, but feels it should not be done in public.
“Nick is Nick. The other guys are obviously stupid,” he told the Sydney Morning Herald. “I don’t go out of my way to think about what Nick is thinking.
“You wouldn’t know what he is going to come up with next but I think it’s good that he’s calling people out. If that’s what he wants to do, that’s good.
“I know when we were playing, if you had a problem you took it to the person. You didn’t make it public. But it’s a different world, I guess.”
Follow us on Twitter @T365Official.
Latest
-
Tennis News
Tennis great Martina Navratilova sympathises with frustrated Andy Murray – ‘It’s exhausting’
“It’s exhausting to have to deal with the press like that for Andy,” says Martina Navratilova.
-
Tennis News
Aryna Sabalenka’s boyfriend Konstantin Koltsov dies as club confirms tragic news
Our thoughts go out to Aryna Sabalenka.
-
WTA Tour
Emma Raducanu suffers huge injury setback on the eve of Miami Open
Raducanu forced to make a tough decision ahead of WTA 1000 tournament in Miami.
-
Tennis News
Carlos Alcaraz hailed for ‘chasing Rafael Nadal’ by pundits as injury concern highlighted
“It adds to the quality of Alcaraz that he can play at this level at the age of 20.”
-
Tennis News
Miami Open draw: Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner learn their fate as Andy Murray gets enticing opener
Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner, Daniil Medvedev and co. have learned their draws for 2024 Miami Open.
-
Tennis News
Tim Henman gives his verdict on Novak Djokovic’s ‘revealing’ Miami Open withdrawal
“It probably does lead a little bit more to speculation when you’re talking about your professional and personal life.”
-
Tennis News
Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer compared to Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi by legendary coach
“Rafa can do the same thing that Federer does, while Cristiano cannot do what Messi does.”
-
Tennis News
Martina Navratilova makes Novak Djokovic ‘doubt’ claim as she highlights age factor
“What happens when you get older is the bad days are worse. You have to have it (doubt) no matter what.”
-
WTA Tour
WTA Rankings: Dominant Iga Swiatek practically assured of big feat ahead of Roland Garros
This way for your post-Indian Wells WTA Rankings.
-
Tennis News
Andy Murray makes retirement uncertainty confession as he also opens up about one of his toughest losses
“I would want to be there by right,” says Andy Murray.