Andre Agassi to return to American TV screens. Will John McEnroe join him?
TNT Sports has made their first major “signing” for the upcoming French Open as former world No 1 Andre Agassi has been confirmed as a studio analyst.
The broadcaster – owned by Warner Bros. Discovery and BT Group – signed a $650-million deal with the French Tennis Federation in June last year as they acquired the rights to air Roland Garros in the United States for the next 10 years.
Previously American tennis fans had to tune into several different channels and streaming services – including NBC, Tennis Channel+ and Peacock – to watch the clay-court Grand Slam.
But as of this year, things will be much easier as they only have to subscribe to TNT Sports for the duration of the tournament.
And the company has landed their first major pundit with eight-time major champion Agassi – who has done limited TV work since retiring – joining the coverage.
There is a catch with Agassi’s “signing” as he will only be in studio for the semi-finals and the finals.
“Watching TNT through the years, I’ve admired how they create an environment that encourages everyone to express their voice in an authentic, unfiltered way,” Agassi said.
“I’m looking forward to the challenge of partnering with TNT Sports, via this very special Roland-Garros event, as we reimagine how tennis broadcasts can be.”
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After finishing runner-up at Roland Garros in 1990 and 1991, Agassi won the clay major in 1999 to complete his Career Grand Slam.
He retired in 2006 and has turned down several high-profile gigs, but he has returned to the limelight in recent years as he signed up to become the new captain of Team World for the 2025 edition of the Laver Cup that will be held in San Francisco.
Craig Barry, Executive Vice President and Chief Content Officer, TNT Sports added: “Andre is one of the most accomplished tennis players of all time and we’re excited to add his distinct voice to our inaugural Roland-Garros coverage.
“His very unique lens will elevate our presentation and appeal to both passionate fans and casual audiences.”
TNT Sports is yet to confirm the rest of their line-up, but reports suggest Agassi’s fellow great John McEnroe – who has done extensive work for ESPN, the BBC and Eurosport over the years – will also be part of the set-up while Brian Anderson will lead the commentator.
Adam Lefkoe will be the studio host while Adam Lefkoe while former world No 1s and Grand Slam winners Jim Courier and Lindsay Davenport could also form part of the broadcasting team.
