War of words between Nick Kyrgios and Boris Becker heats up as fiery Aussie gets personal

The duo have been going back and forth in recent days and Kyrgios - never one to shy away from a fight - isn't above taking a few low blows.

And with Becker, 56, having spent eight months in prison last year after being found guilty of tax evasion, it didn't take Kyrgios long to hit the former six-time Grand Slam champion where it hurts.

Kyrgios started the spat when he used Becker as an example when claiming that former tennis stars were no match for today's players.

"The game was so slow back then. I've watched Boris Becker and I'm not saying they weren't good in their time, but to say that they would be just as good now, it's absurd," he told The Athletic.

To which the German responded that Kyrgios was making "a lot of noise" despite not having a Grand Slam title to his name.

This caused Kyrgios to go on the defence, before also firing a broadside at the former Wimbledon champ.

"Uhhh what? I've been arguably one of the most watched players outside the big three the last decade? Fans around the world and have brought so many more people to the sport. I've created my own stuff off the court," Kyrgios stated, before honing in on Becker's brush with the law.

"Try to not hide any more assets x". 

Becker also said in an interview that today's players would not be making the money they did were it not for the players who came before.

"We live in a democracy. Everyone can think what he wants. You have to have respect for the past and simply say 'thank you' out loud that these old pros existed, because without them the tennis circus would no longer exist," he told Eurosport's Das Gelbe vom Ball podcast

"I did play a bit in the 80s, but there was [Stefan] Edberg, [Mats] Wilander. The 90s were [Andre] Agassi, [Pete] Sampras. All these players make it possible for Nick Kyrgios not to play tennis at all this year and still be able to make a living from tennis."

Kyrgios reposted quotes from Becker's interview as he defended the value he brings to the game.

"Bro what. I've been one of the FEW PLAYERS that have brought million more fans to the sport and have made more money for everyone. NETFLIX…. Don't remember seeing Boris on there. Guy is ridiculous. I've made my career off the court without the help of the others."

READ MORE: Australian Open: Stefanos Tsitsipas relishing return to "home slam" Down Under