4 hours ago
4
Nick Kyrgios has hit out at the BBC after being dropped from their Wimbledon coverage — branding the decision 'very strange' and taking a not-so-subtle swipe at the man expected to replace him on the punditry panel.
The Australian, who was praised for his insight and charisma during last year's tournament while recovering from a wrist injury, will not return to the BBC this summer.
It is understood that American world No 108 Christopher Eubanks has been lined up instead.
Kyrgios, who has beaten each member of the so-called 'Big Four' — Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray — expressed his bemusement at the call.
'It's unfortunate but it's probably their loss more than mine,' he told The Guardian.
'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.'
Eubanks, 29, reached the Wimbledon quarter-finals in 2023 and has also developed a strong reputation as a pundit in the US, working for the Tennis Channel, ESPN, and TNT Sports.
Former finalist Nick Kyrgios will not be part of the BBC's punditry panel at Wimbledon this year
Kyrgios pictured alongside Tim Henman (right) during the BBC's coverage of Wimbledon 2024
American Christopher Eubanks is expected to fill the hole left by Kyrgios in the BBC studio
Kyrgios added: 'I'm sure our paths will cross again. I only ever want to add humour, some knowledge and some great atmosphere.'
The 30-year-old has not competed at Wimbledon since reaching the 2022 final, where he lost to Djokovic.
He is currently recovering from another injury setback and has ruled himself out of this year's Championships.
However, he insists he plans to return to the court during the North American hard court swing later this summer.
'Yes, for sure,' he said. 'I'm definitely playing the US swing and I'll take it one day at a time.'
Kyrgios's omission comes as Andy Murray also confirmed he has turned down the chance to return to the BBC studio. The two-time Wimbledon champion suggested that punditry was not the right fit for him at this stage.
Speaking to GQ, Murray said: 'You can just throw stuff out there. People love it if it's a bit controversial, but you don't actually have any skin in the game. I'd be more inclined to do coaching.'
The BBC has yet to officially announce its full broadcast line-up for Wimbledon 2025, which gets underway on June 30.
