Nick Kyrgios lands big Australian Open role as he expresses a Rafael Nadal ‘fear’

Ewan West
Nick Kyrgios interview
Nick Kyrgios speaks

Nick Kyrgios will step into the world of tennis broadcasting again as he will join Eurosport’s star-studded team for the 2024 Australian Open.

The Australian player has also expressed his sympathy for Rafael Nadal after the Spanish legend withdrew from the Australian Open and made a comparison to his own injury situation.

Sports network Eurosport has confirmed Kyrgios will be part of its team of analysts and commentators for the upcoming Australian Open, which will run from January 14 to 28.

The 28-year-old joins an impressive cast of former tennis stars, including Boris Becker, John McEnroe, Mats Wilander, Justine Henin, Alex Corretja, Barbara Schett, Tim Henman and Laura Robson.

The 2022 Wimbledon runner-up will not compete at the Melbourne Grand Slam as he continues his recovery from injury and is yet to confirm when he will return.

Following an excellent 2022 season, Kyrgios was sidelined through injury last year and played his only competitive match of the campaign in Stuttgart in June.

The former world No 13 underwent knee surgery in January 2023 and has since suffered further setbacks, including a wrist injury that derailed his intended comeback during the grass-court season.

Scott Young, Group SVP, Content, Production and Business Operations, WBD (Warnes Bros’ Discovery) Sports Europe, said: “We first delivered the Australian Open under the Eurosport brand in 1995 and this year’s tournament promises to be one of the best yet, packed with so many inspiring stories and battles that fans can follow every step of the way across our channels and platforms.

“No other broadcaster provides a 360-degree tennis ecosystem that connects tennis fans to the sport they love like we do.

“To enhance the storytelling like never before, we’ve assembled one of the most impressive expert line-ups of tennis legends and superstars.

“We’re particularly excited to welcome Nick Kyrgios to our English language commentary team this year and know fans will benefit from his unique perspectives and closeness to the current crop of champions and competitors taking to the court this year.”

This will not be Kyrgios’ first taste of tennis punditry and commentary after he appeared on Tennis Channel during the 2023 ATP Finals in November.

Kyrgios has also extended a message of support to 22-time major champion Nadal, who will miss the Australian Open through injury.

“Feel for Rafa man 😢💔 get better soon, that was the fear for me as well, coming back a little too soon,” the Australian wrote on Twitter / X.

Nadal made his comeback after almost a year out of action at last week’s Brisbane International, but will not feature in Melbourne as planned due to a setback.

Prior to Brisbane, Nadal had not competed since losing to Mackenzie McDonald in the second round of the 2023 Australian Open due to a hip injury. The former world No 1 underwent arthroscopic surgery to treat the psoas muscle in his hip in June last year.

“During my last match in Brisbane I had a small problem on a muscle that as you know made me worried,” the 37-year-old explained.

“Once I got to Melbourne I have had the chance to make an MRI and I have micro tear on a muscle, not in the same part where I had the injury and that’s good news.

“Right now I am not ready to compete at the maximum level of exigence in five sets matches. I’m flying back to Spain to see my doctor, get some treatment and rest.

“Within the sad news for me for not being able to play in front of the amazing Melbourne crowds, this is not very bad news and we all remain positive with the evolution for the season.”

READ MORE: Rafael Nadal has an eye on clay swing in withdrawing from Australian Open

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