Former tennis world No.1 Boris Becker hopes players do not turn into emotionless “computers and machines” following the ATP’s warning that there will be stricter punishment for on-court misconduct.

Alexander Zverev was thrown out of a tournament in Acapulco in February after smashing his racquet against the umpire’s chair during an expletive-laden tirade, while Nick Kyrgios was fined for his outbursts at Indian Wells and Miami last month.

Becker, who has had many angry outbursts during his career, said the sport needed players to show emotions on court.

“I’m quite happy that we were allowed to play and ultimately go berserk under the exclusion of the social media and the microphones, so to speak,” the 54-year-old told Eurosport Germany.

“Tennis is an entertainment sport. I don’t want to see computers and machines on the court either. Emotions are good, a bit of blood, sweat and tears, that stimulates, that was already the case with us. But everything has a limit.”