BBC axe Wimbledon pundit after being told to 'hang its head in shame'
BBC axe Wimbledon pundit after being told to 'hang its head in shame'
Nick Kyrgios has been ruled out of Wimbledon due to injury and will not be part of the BBC's punditry team, with the Australian also snubbed by ESPN
Controversial Australian Nick Kyrgios was a Wimbledon pundit for the BBC last year
(Image: BBC )
Nick Kyrgios, the controversial Australian tennis star, has reportedly been dropped from the BBC's Wimbledon punditry team. Last year, Kyrgios brought his expertise to SW19 as a commentator after injury forced him out of competition.
He had aspirations to actually participate at Wimbledon this year; however, it appears bad luck has intervened again with a reoccurrence of injury issues. Kyrgios, a finalist at Wimbledon three years prior, kicked off his 2025 season at the Brisbane International and took part in the Australian Open where he was defeated in the first round by Jacob Fearnley, also playing in the Miami Open.
Since his last competitive match, speculation arose about a potential return to broadcasting.
Nevertheless, reports from The Telegraph indicate that the BBC has decided not to include Kyrgios in their commentary team for the Wimbledon tournament, and he hasn't been picked up by ESPN either, despite having worked with them during the Australian Open.
His engagement by the BBC last year was met with criticism, particularly as it came just over a year after he confessed to assaulting an ex-girlfriend.
Caroline Nokes, who chaired the women and equalities committee at that time, reproached the corporation, stating they should 'hang its head in shame' for the decision to hire him, reports the Express.
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In a statement, the BBC defended their choice, stating: "We are in no way condoning his cited previous actions or behaviours, on and off the court, and he is employed to share his views on tennis only."
Kyrgios has recently offered his services to other prominent sports broadcasters.
The legal matter he was entangled in has reached its conclusion, is a matter of public record, and he has openly discussed it.
Following his guilty plea to assaulting his ex-girlfriend, Kyrgios expressed remorse: "I was not in good place when this happened and I reacted to a difficult situation in a way I deeply regret.
"I know it wasn't OK and I'm sincerely sorry for the hurt I caused."
In recent years, Kyrgios' career has been hindered by a string of injuries, forcing him to miss numerous major tournaments.
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This month, he shared with his fans that a new setback would prevent him from participating in the grass season.
He took to social media to explain: "I've hit a small setback in my recovery and unfortunately won't make it back for grass season this year.'I know how much you've all been looking forward to seeing me out there, and I'm genuinely sorry to disappoint.
"This is just a bump in the road though, and I'm already working hard to get back stronger than ever."
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