Boris Becker recently said players have figured out how to effectively combat Carlos Alcaraz, leading to his slide in results. Novak Djokovic’s former coach claimed the Spaniard’s development has halted while his peers have continued to grow. However, Nick Kyrgios disagrees with the German and even triggered a debate on X (formerly Twitter) with a sarcastic and scathing reply.
Becker stated that while Alcaraz continues to play great tennis, others have adapted to his gameplay and know how to counter him. A popular fan page posted his statement on X, to which Kyrgios replied saying Alcaraz will ‘destroy’ Becker in a game of tennis.
Annddddddd Alcaraz would DESTROY Becker….. NEXT
— Nicholas Kyrgios (@NickKyrgios) November 26, 2023
Fans had a heated discussion over Becker’s claims and Kyrgios’ retort. Some agreed with the retired icon with one-word replies reading ‘true’ or ‘correct’. Others sounded their agreement with the six-time Grand Slam winner in a more vocal fashion.
One fan drew a parallel to Rafael Nadal hitting a similar wall during his early days. However, the fan said the veteran Spaniard evolved his gameplay to stay at the top, just as Alcaraz should.
this sounds harsh but kinda true. sinner and medvedev has got alcaraz figured out. https://t.co/GrhBUnUZW9
— s ✨ (@alonsosengineer) November 26, 2023
not a fan of boris’ by any means but he’s correct. carlos really needs to change things up if he wants to have a good season next year https://t.co/C8vGR6850r
— crystal (@brdgtjones) November 26, 2023
Have been saying this for a while. Since Cincy, Alcaraz lost the “surprise factor” (Rafa also experienced this at some point) that made it hard for others to adapt to his game.
Having said that, I’m sure that, like Rafa, he’ll adjust his game and find a way to stay up there. https://t.co/MrGPvygekV
— Grandpa Picks (@thegrandpapicks) November 26, 2023
Completely agree with Boris here, nobody talked about this anyway..
— Gabriele De Sole (@DesoF1_) November 26, 2023
A couple of users disagreed with Kyrgios slamming Becker and supported the latter’s words.
Becker is correct. You’d make a terrible coach, whispering sweet nothings into Alcaraz’s ear while taking your fees. He’s been figured out. Needs to improve a few things if he wants to dominate the sport as he has said on numerous occasions. Even Alcaraz has acknowledged this.
— Newday (@Alliswelliswell) November 26, 2023
I disagree Nick. I think that Becker could do wonders to Rune’s game and we all know what he said it’s true. Sinner and Rune are coming for Alcaraz.
— Julio Cesar Rodriguez (@jcrmtxus) November 26, 2023
The Australian was also criticized for disrespecting the German. Fans mentioned Becker’s achievements, saying he understands tennis better than Kyrgios.
Becker got more ball knowledge than you tho
— MPORA Ⓜ️️SES (@MosesMpora1) November 26, 2023
Just have RESPECT !
While you tried & tried and only made a grand slam final late in your career
Boris is a tennis genius winning Wimbledon @ 17 !!
6 grand slams as a player,6 grand slams as a coach with Djokovic (25 in total)Do you think you know more than him?
Have respect! pic.twitter.com/NBN4ISxwDA— Loli (@LoliLondon) November 26, 2023
Becker is one of the if not the smartest coach in the world. His tennis iq is much more than you can imagine. He has experienced things you will never experience: Grand Slams, Number 1, Becker Era on Centre Court at Wimbledon. Unlike you he respects the game and understands it.
— Djoker Cristi (@DjokernoleC) November 26, 2023
The majority, however, disagreed with Becker. Most pointed out that Alcaraz is still young, claiming he will keep getting better even if opponents learn how to face him.
The players who couldn’t figure out how to play Djokovic in 20 years, could figure that with Alcaraz in 2yrs? Don’t think so. He is just a young player who is trying to figure out how to maintain consistency.
— Meaza Jimie (@MeazaJimie) November 26, 2023
He just turned 20, and his best is yet to come
— dc0531 (@dougwc1) November 26, 2023
Pretty harsh suggesting Alcaraz hasn’t developed. He’s still so young, still working out what exactly his game is. So the others have worked him out? Good for them, let’s see them beat him AND everyone they need to be a GS champ or #1.
— Fiona B (@Feebeekiwi) November 26, 2023
@carlosalcaraz won’t turn 21 until the May of 2024. He’s young, and he’s developing. While others have figured out how to play him, Carlos is figuring out how to be a better player every day.
— Deepak Singh दीपक सिंह (@deepakwriter) November 26, 2023
Boris Becker is confused. Alcaraz continues to beat top ten players. In some cases he hasn’t played his best tennis. When he plays his best, he can defeat any player. He will continue to improve his game.
— Sam Kermani (@CTGR8) November 26, 2023
Nothing to worry about! His game will continue to evolve. https://t.co/ZyiW5LrESK
— Vamos CAG (@Vamos_Alcarass) November 26, 2023
One user remarked no one other than Djokovic has aptly countered Alcaraz.
Ummm. No. Alcaraz is fine. Which other players are we talking about here…Djokovic Djokovic and Djokovic? Sinner? That’s “other players” ? I’m not even on the Alcaraz bandwagon and that Becker statement makes no sense. No: no one has answers for this kid OTHER than Djokovic.
— AMiller (@milleropoulos) November 26, 2023
What Boris Becker said about Carlos Alcaraz that kicked up a storm among fans
Becker said Alcaraz’s achievements like winning Wimbledon and becoming World No.1 indicate he is playing at a high level. However, he added that the difficult part is maintaining this level. He believed other players have realized that playing Alcaraz once gives an idea of his gameplay and he becomes beatable.
Becker said now that players can counter the two-time Grand Slam winner, he will probably try different training methods before the new season commences.
“Other players have developed and Alcaraz hasn’t. He continues to play fantastic tennis. I love watching him play tennis at its best with his footwork, his variation, his serve and his forehand. But the top players have adapted to this and know how to counter it. I’m convinced that Alcaraz will now train something new or different with Juan Carlos Ferrero in the winter and improve.”
