Nick Kyrgios has revealed that the tension surrounding the upcoming collision with tennis legend Boris Becker in punditry roles will add to viewership numbers.
Kyrgios was recently confirmed as part of Eurosport's immaculately selected panel of experts tasked to give insight and opinions during the 2024 Australian Open. The Australian maverick is expected to join the likes of John McEnroe, Mats Wilander, Justine Henin, and Boris Becker.
The presence of Becker and Kyrgios finally colliding on either commentary or match analysis duties has certainly been the most anticipated part among tennis fans, given the animosity that developed between the pair in the past month.
Kyrgios certainly had a lot to do with that after arguing that the past greats like Becker and Pete Sampras would struggle to compete in the modern, fast-paced tennis environment. The Aussie even mentioned how current No. 1 Novak Djokovic would "cleanup" Sampras' serve.
Those comments did not sit well with Becker, who criticized Kyrgios for lacking "credibility" to make such bold statements to which the 28-year-old Canberra native dragged the German's infamous past of having spent time in a British prison into the dialogue.
Kyrgios has since spoken to the Daily Mail ahead of the potential showdown between the past and current stars of men's tennis, who will entice viewers with their sharp and insightful tennis knowledge.
Becker, who is taking a leave of absence from coaching Holger Rune, will go faceoff against Kyrgios for the first time since their spat, and the Aussie believes tennis fans will be keen to watch.
"For the sport and for Eurosport, I actually think it's really good because I think it will create a bit of tension there and people will tune in.
Throughout his career, Kyrgios has never been afraid to let loose and has become a polarizing figure within the tennis world, capable of forming divisive opinions. However, he is not changing sides and stands by the comments he made about the evolution of tennis.
"At the end of the day, I'm a very black-and-white person. I stand by my comments. I think Novak is the pinnacle of tennis. I think that no matter what generation goes up against Novak, he'll come out on top."
"Obviously some of these older guys, this older generation, they take it personal. I understand, my parents are old as well... they're stubborn and stuck in their ways."
Kyrgios is currently on an injury hiatus, having played just one match in 2023 in Stuttgart before focusing on his knee and wrist treatment. He assured fans it would be "entertaining" to see Becker finally.
"I get it. I'm not going to sit here in 30 years time and say I can beat and compete with the best athletes in the world 30 years from now. I'm going to see Boris, and I'm going to keep my stance and it's going to be fun. I'm looking forward to it. Regardless, it's going to be entertaining."
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