Nick Kyrgios Slams BBC for Axing him from Wimbledon Coverage

Nick Kyrgios has played in only six tournaments since October 2022 due to struggles with several injuries and surgeries.

Nick Kyrgios Slams BBC for Axing him from Wimbledon Coverage

Nick Kyrgios (Image via X/Tennis Australia)

Nick Kyrgios has been axed from the BBC crew for the Wimbledon Championship, which begins on June 30. The Australian star is currently struggling with injury and has just played in six tournaments since October 2022. He has slammed the media giant for removing him from the Wimbledon crew.

The 30-year-old star worked for BBC Sports during last year’s Championship, providing a fresh voice and perspective alongside the usual crew of John McEnroe and Tim Henman. Kyrgios was expected to continue with the crew this year after a good rapport with viewers, but the media giant has not signed him up for this year’s edition.

However, in addition to working for the BBC at Wimbledon, Kyrgios has also appeared on the Tennis Channel’s coverage of the sport in the United States. He also runs his own podcast Good Trouble, which has featured several top tennis players, including former World No.1 Novak Djokovic and four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka.

Also, he’s set to miss his third Wimbledon Championship in a row, having struggled with persistent knee and wrist injuries. In fact, the last time he played a match on tour was at the Miami Open in March, where he lost to Russian star Karen Khachanov in the second round in straight sets.

During an interview with The Guardian, Kyrgios revealed that he has been dropped from the BBC crew, while World No.131 Chris Eubank has taken over his position. However, Eubank reacted on social media that he has not been picked to join the crew:

It’s unfortunate but it’s probably their loss more than mine. I understand they’ve got Chris Eubanks but he hasn’t beaten the greatest of all time multiple times. When someone’s beaten Federer, Nadal, Murray, and Djokovic and has incredible insights, it’s very strange you wouldn’t want that person adding knowledge to tennis fans.

Kyrgios says he has not shut the door for the BBC after being left out of the crew for the Wimbledon Championship:

I’m sure our paths will cross again. I only ever want to add humour, some knowledge and some great atmosphere.

Kyrgios’ career has been uncertain, having pulled out of the Roland Garros and Wimbledon championships. But, he revealed that he’s determined to resume playing during the US hard-court swing, which starts in August. That will culminate in his first appearance at Flushing Meadows in three years.

Nick Kyrgios predicts that Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz will dominate the ATP for 10 to 15 years

Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner have dominated the ATP for the past two seasons. The pair met at the Italian Open and Roland Garros final, with the former beating the latter in both encounters. Also, Alcaraz leads their head-to-head 8-4 and has won all their last five meetings on tour.

Jannik Sinner, Carlos Alcaraz (2)
Jannik Sinner, Carlos Alcaraz (Image via X/Univers Tennis)

During the aforementioned interview, Nick Kyrgios said that it is obvious that Alcaraz and Sinner will dominate the men’s circuit for the next 10 to 15 years:

It’s pretty obvious those two are going to be juggernauts of the sport for the next 10 or 15 years. They pushed each other to a level that not many have played before. I think Alcaraz has that flair and X-factor of Federer, Nadal and Novak. Sinner is incredibly powerful but Alcaraz will be up there with those greats. I’ve got to say Alcaraz [to win Wimbledon].

Sinner and Alcaraz opened their grass-court campaign at the Terra Wortmann Open and Queen’s Club Championships, respectively. Sinner crashed out of the tournament after losing to Alexander Bublik in the second round, while Alcaraz claimed the ATP 500 tournament in Queen’s for the second time. Both players will now head to the Wimbledon Championship as favorites to win the title.

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