Nick Kyrgios has criticized the BBC’s decision to exclude him from their commentary team for Wimbledon 2025, calling the move “very strange.” The Australian tennis star, known for his outspoken personality, made his commentary debut at Wimbledon last year while recovering from wrist surgery. He has been ruled out of playing at Wimbledon due to a knee injury.
Kyrgios Voices Disappointment and Surprises
Kyrgios expressed his disappointment at not being invited back to the BBC commentary box. He revealed that American player Chris Eubanks, currently ranked 108th in the world, would be his replacement. The BBC has yet to officially announce its commentary lineup for the Championships, which begin on June 30th.
“It’s unfortunate, but it’s probably their loss more than mine,” Kyrgios told The Guardian. He added, “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.”
A Dig at His Replacement
Kyrgios emphasized his victories over tennis’s most celebrated players to underscore his value as a commentator. He implied that his experience and insights were more valuable than those of Eubanks, who, while a quarterfinalist at Wimbledon in 2023, does not possess the same record against top players.
He struck a more conciliatory tone when discussing potential future opportunities with the broadcaster. “I’m sure our paths will cross again. I only ever want to add humor, some knowledge, and some great atmosphere,” he said.
Injury Woes Continue
Kyrgios had been expected to return to the commentary box after confirming he would miss competing at Wimbledon due to a “small setback” in his recovery from a knee problem. The injury had already forced him to withdraw from the French Open earlier this season. This latest setback means he will miss the entire grass-court season.
Kyrgios shared his disappointment on social media, stating, “Unfortunately, I won’t make it back for the grass season this year. This is just a bump in the road… I’m already working hard to get back stronger.”
BBC’s Rationale Unclear
The BBC has not officially commented on the decision to exclude Kyrgios from their commentary team. Some reports suggest that the decision may be related to public backlash following his hiring last year, which came shortly after he admitted to assaulting his ex-girlfriend in 2022.
In response to the criticism last year, the BBC stated, “We are in no way condoning his cited previous actions or behaviors, on and off the court, and he is employed to share his views on tennis only.”
Kyrgios’s Broadcasting Career
Kyrgios made his broadcasting debut at Wimbledon in 2024 after being sidelined by a wrist injury. He has also worked with ESPN during the Australian Open and the Tennis Channel for the ATP Finals. Known for his candid and unfiltered style, Kyrgios has said, “I wouldn’t say anything in the commentary box I wouldn’t say to a player’s face.”
He launched a podcast where he has interviewed famous celebrities. “Shaking things up, not always doing things the way we’re taught. The one thing that stands out for me, being a tennis player in a Roger Federer-esque sport where you fit into a mould, is that I’ve gone against the grain my whole career. I’ve definitely shaken things up and done it my way,” the 30-year-old said.
Andrew Castle’s Perspective
Andrew Castle, a veteran Wimbledon commentator, has spoken about his relationship with Kyrgios, who once branded him a “clown.” Castle insisted that their so-called “feud” was blown out of proportion.
“I didn’t have any tense encounters, and nor did he,” Castle told Express Sport. “Nick said something on Twitter about me, and he got told that it’s not the way to be.”
Kyrgios criticized Castle during the 2023 Wimbledon final between Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic, claiming that the commentator talked over the action and didn’t know when to stay quiet.
Castle, who admitted he was initially embarrassed by the remark, later brushed it off as a throwaway comment. “I said to him that he embarrassed me there, and he said, ‘Oh mate.’ That was it,” Castle explained.
Wimbledon 2025: What to Expect
Wimbledon 2025 promises to be an exciting tournament, with familiar faces in the commentary box and rising stars on the court.
Key Presenters and Commentators:
- Clare Balding and Isa Guha will lead the BBC’s TV coverage.
- Tim Henman, Gigi Salmon, Qasa Alom, Andy Stevenson, and Andrew Castle are also part of the presenting lineup.
- Two-time Wimbledon champion Andy Murray has been speculated to join the broadcasting team.
Players to Watch:
- Carlos Alcaraz will be aiming for his third consecutive Wimbledon title.
- Novak Djokovic will be looking to match Roger Federer’s record of eight Wimbledon victories.
Changes to TV Coverage:
- TNT Sports will share coverage of the singles finals with the BBC.
- The BBC aims to reduce the lag between the Freeview broadcast and the iPlayer live stream.
A Shaved Head
Kyrgios recently showcased a bold new look, shaving his head. He revealed his new buzzcut in a short Instagram video.
The BBC’s Perspective
The BBC has been the primary broadcaster of Wimbledon for 88 years and spends around £60 million annually to cover the event. Their current deal runs until 2027.
Andrew Castle has praised the BBC’s coverage of Wimbledon, particularly the absence of commercial breaks. “When I think of Wimbledon on the BBC, what is really lovely is there are no commercial breaks,” he said. “And from my point of view in commentary, I’ve got to think about what we are going to talk about in the breaks with Tim Henman, John McEnroe, Nick Kyrgios – that’s what I’m thinking about towards the end of a game.”
Kyrgios’s Absence: A Loss for Viewers?
Whether Kyrgios’s absence from the BBC commentary team will be felt by viewers remains to be seen. His unique perspective and unfiltered commentary style certainly added a different dimension to the broadcast. As he said himself, “It’s unfortunate, but it’s probably their loss more than mine.”
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