Nick Kyrgios is set to bring his unique flair to Wimbledon this summer, not as a competitor but as a pundit for the BBC. Known for his dynamic presence, Kyrgios has faced limited playtime due to wrist, knee, and foot injuries, participating in only one competitive match over the past 19 months. Despite these setbacks, the 2022 Wimbledon finalist will still make his mark at SW19, having been named one of the new additions to the BBC’s broadcasting team. BBC executives have playfully noted that with Kyrgios on board, “anything could happen.”
Exciting Updates and Controversial Figures at BBC’s Summer Sports Event
At the BBC’s ‘Summer of Sport’ launch event in London, Chief Content Officer Charlotte Moore announced exciting additions to this year’s lineup. The 2021 champion, Ashleigh Barty, and potentially Nick Kyrgios, the 2022 Wimbledon finalist known for his turbulent career, are set to join. “Anything could happen there!” Moore stated, hinting at the unpredictability brought by Kyrgios, who has stirred controversy both on and off the court.
Nick Kyrgios, often labeled the bad boy of tennis, has a history of racket abuse and using profane language during matches, which has resulted in multiple fines. His behavior during a match two years ago against Novak Djokovic at Wimbledon led to an on-air apology from BBC commentator Andrew Castle, particularly as the incident occurred in front of young spectators, including Prince George.
Despite his challenges, including a recent admission of assaulting an ex-girlfriend without receiving a criminal conviction, Kyrgios remains determined to return to top form. He has not participated in an ATP Tour match since his early exit at the Stuttgart Open, but last month, he expressed his ongoing passion for the sport and shared a video of his training in Australia. Additionally, his recent stint as a co-commentator for Eurosport during the Australian Open garnered positive attention from BBC executives.
The BBC also shared that Wayne Rooney, the former England captain, will be joining their team as a pundit for Euro 2024, adding to the star-studded events planned for the summer.
New Additions to BBC’s Sports Coverage Line-Up
Ex-England goalkeeper Joe Hart, former West Ham manager David Moyes, and Brentford boss Thomas Frank are recent additions to their team. They will be joining BBC’s veteran tournament pundits like Alan Shearer, Rio Ferdinand, Frank Lampard, Micah Richards, and Cesc Fabregas.
Additionally, this summer, Dame Laura Kenny, Team GB’s most accomplished female athlete, will contribute to the BBC’s Paris Olympics coverage. Having retired from track cycling in March after clinching five Olympic gold medals, the 32-year-old is set to share her insights. Sir Chris Hoy, a six-time Olympic champion, will also join the BBC team, despite his recent cancer diagnosis.
