BBC in Wimbledon broadcast change as they snap up controversial former finalist for summer coverage
NICK KYRGIOS will work as a tennis pundit and co-commentator during the BBC’s coverage of Wimbledon.
The Australian is only 29-years-old and has not officially retired from the sport but has barely played over the past two seasons due to injury.
Provided he is not playing on the grass this summer – and the signs are he will not be fit enough – then he will work alongside Tim Henman and John McEnroe on the Beeb’s television team.
Kyrgios has played just ONE match in two seasons – he was beaten in straight sets by Wu Yibing in Stuttgart in June 2023 – and is contemplating life outside of competing.
Last January, he earned plaudits for commentating on matches at the Australian Open for Eurosport and he has since moved into the realm of podcasts and YouTube channels.
Kyrgios – who famously beat Rafa Nadal in 2014 in his Wimbledon debut year aged 19 – is one of the most entertaining tennis stars around and often tries to fool opponents with his under-arm serves.
However, he has had his fair share of controversy on court, having been fined more than £450,000 by authorities for his various indiscretions down the years.
Two years ago, he was defeated 6–4 3–6 4–6 6–7 by Serbian Novak Djokovic on Centre Court in the Wimbledon final – his only appearance in a singles major final.
In January 2023, Kyrgios and close pal Thanasi Kokkinakis lifted the Australian Open men’s double titles – the pinnacle of their careers so far.
The following month, Kyrgios pleaded guilty to assaulting an ex-girlfriend but avoided a criminal conviction.
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Kyrgios pushed former partner Chiara Passari to the ground during a row in Australia in January 2021, the court heard.
While sparing him a criminal record, the magistrate at Canberra court called the incident “a single act of stupidity or frustration”, saying his action was at the lower end of the scale of common assault.
Speaking at an unveiling in Central London on Wednesday morning, Charlotte Moore, Chief Content Officer, BBC, said: “A host of Wimbledon champions will be joining the studio.
“This will include John McEnroe, Martina Navratilova, Billie Jean King and Pat Cash alongside Tim Henman, Tracey Austin, Annabel Croft and Johanna Konta.
“And also joining the line-up this year will be 2021 champion Ashleigh Barty and, if he’s not playing, 2022 Wimbledon finalist Nick Kyrgios, so anything could happen there!”
+ Emma Raducanu will feature at the WTA Nottingham Open the week of June 10 after deciding not to participate in French Open qualifying in Paris.