Nick Kyrgios hits out at ‘very strange’ BBC Wimbledon punditry snub
Nick Kyrgios said it was “very strange” the BBC did not approach him to commentate on the Wimbledon Championships, also hitting out at their pick of Chris Eubanks.
The British broadcaster has yet to announce their full line-up for the upcoming tournament but amongst them will not be 2022 finalist Kyrgios.
The Australian has proven to be an adept pundit and commentator for the Tennis Channel and after pulling out of playing at Wimbledon, some may have wondered if he would instead be in the commentary booth.
However, the 30-year-old revealed he has not been asked, hitting out at the BBC’s choice of world No. 108 Chris Eubanks.
“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.”
Kyrgios did not close the door forever on the BBC though, saying “I’m sure our paths will cross again.”
“I only ever want to add humour, some knowledge and some great atmosphere.”
It was at the London venue that Kyrgios came closest to winning a slam, losing to Novak Djokovic despite winning the first set.
Reflecting on that day, Kyrgios believes he could have been champion had he “acted a bit differently.”
“Definitely. It was only a couple of points here and there where, if I’d acted a bit differently, I would have had a Wimbledon title,” he said. “But there’s no shame in losing to the greatest of all time.
“Do I think about it often? Yes. Do I think about what I could have changed? Yes. Could I have prepared better? No. I prepared amazingly.”
Friends now, Kyrgios also noted a change in Djokovic’s approach, suggesting the Serb was happy to be “the villain.”
“He’s way more comfortable in his own skin now,” Kyrgios suggested. “I think he did want the crowd to love him but he enjoys being the villain. He finds energy when people heckle him.
“He’s the greatest tennis player of all time so he wouldn’t care as much what people think now. We have respect for each other and we are proof that different personalities can make it to the top and you don’t have to have everyone liking you.”
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As for the current stars, Kyrgios called the French Open final between Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner “incredible tennis” and said it was “obvious” the pair would dominate 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,” Kyrgios said. “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].”
