Nick Kyrgios and Boris Becker have got themselves embroiled in a major bust-up over Alexander Zverev’s recent escapade, namely caught on video partying after the cancellation of the Adria Tour which left a number of players and staff testing positive for the Covid-19 virus.

@TheBorisBecker is a bigger doughnut than I thought ... can hit a volley, obviously not the sharpest tool in the shed though Nick Kyrgios

That led Kyrgios, who has been vocal about the lack of social distancing and the absence of any safety measures during the tour organised by Novak Djokovic whom he referred to as a ‘bonehead’, to again voice his displeasure, this time at Zverev’s disregard of the same safety measures at a French beach bar.

The Aussie firebrand described him as ‘selfish’, especially as a week earlier, Zverev, who had played on the Adria Tour and tested negative, announced he would be self-isolating for a fortnight.

That should have been that but Becker, a former coach to Djokovic and currently the director of men’s tennis in Germany, rose up in defence of his player declaring on Twitter: “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.”

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.”

Becker responded: “We all live in the pandemic called #Covid_19! It’s terrible and it killed to many lives…we should protect our families/loved ones and follow the guidelines but still don’t like #rats @NickKyrgios.”

Kyrgios who has been constant in his views regarding the restart of the game believing it is too early to make a safe return during the pandemic, struck back with: “Rats? For holding someone accountable? Strange way to think of it champion, I’m just looking out for people. When my family and families all over the world have respectfully done the right thing,” adding: “@TheBorisBecker is a bigger doughnut than I thought … can hit a volley, obviously not the sharpest tool in the shed though.”

And still Becker wouldn’t let go. “Your (sic) funny guy ….how is it down under? Respect all the guidelines?” he retorted to which Kyrgios hit back: “Haha nah bro I’m good, don’t act like you’re my friend now because you got sat down.”

But the three-time Wimbledon champion tried again to deflect Kyrgios barbs by stressing: “.. an unspoken understanding between athletes! Whatever happens on the court stays there including the lockers! Nobody will talk about it … #respect #sport #fellowship. I really would like to se [sic] @NickKyrgios fulfill his potential and win a grandslam! He would be an incredible role model for the youth of the world addressing the issues of equality/race/heritage! Man up buddy and deliver! @atptour @ITF_Tennis.”

Kyrgios would not be diverted and had the last word with: “Why are you now talking about tennis? It has nothing to do with tennis? How about the dude who you are defending mans up and gives us some sort of explanation? Not another average management apology.”

Boris Becker , the Doughnut' tweets a reply!