Kyrgios sends message to BBC after Wimbledon snub with verdict on replacement
Nick Kyrgios worked as a commentator for the BBC at last year's Wimbledon, but the Australian will not be back this year and he has sent a message to the broadcaster
Nick Kyrgios has branded the BBC's decision not to employ him as a commentator for this year's Wimbledon "very strange" and taken a swipe at the current player who is set to replace him.
Kyrgios worked for the BBC at last year's tournament after he was unable to compete due to a wrist injury. The Australian has not played at Wimbledon since losing the 2022 final to Novak Djokovic and will be absent again this year after suffering a "small setback" in his recovery.
And he has also been dropped as a broadcaster by the BBC, with Kyrgios claiming that world No.108 Chris Eubanks is set to replace him. In an interview with the Guardian, Kyrgios said: "It's unfortunate but it's probably their loss more than mine.
"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.
"I'm sure our paths will cross again. I only ever want to add humour, some knowledge and some great atmosphere."
The BBC have yet to officially confirm their line-up for Wimbledon, but the tournament will air across BBC One and BBC Two between June 30 and July 13. Two-time Wimbledon champion Andy Murray has also confirmed he will not be part of the BBC's coverage, despite having previously worked as a pundit for the broadcaster.
"If I go and work at, let's say Wimbledon, you start getting asked questions about British players like Jack Draper," he told GQ earlier this month. "Because you respect them, you listen to what they're saying - but it's not always the same as what your coach is telling you.
"What the pundits are saying could be wrong," Murray admitted. "They're not right all the time, and when you're young, it's quite conflicting. So I'd be more inclined to do coaching, because I think punditry is quite an easy gig.
"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."
Draper has guaranteed himself a top-four seeding at Wimbledon after reaching the final four at Queen's Club, while fellow Brits Jacob Fearnley, Cam Norrie and Billy Harris have earned direct entry.
Dan Evans, Henry Searle, Jay Clarke, Jack Pinnington Jones, Johannus Monday, George Loffhagen, and Oliver Crawford have all been handed wildcards. Emma Raducanu, Katie Boulter and Sonay Kartal will also be in action.
Hannah Klugman, Mimi Xu, Mika Stojsavljevic, Francesca Jones, Harriet Dart, Jodie Burrage and Heather Watson are among the women's wildcard entries. A number of Brits will also feature in qualifying.
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