Nick Kyrgios axed for Wimbledon as sad reality sets in

News.com.au

2 days ago

Nick Kyrgios has been axed by the BBC.
Reports first landed on Wednesday morning the Australian tennis star has been told his services will not be required when the network begins its coverage of Wimbledon, beginning June 30.
It comes after his appointment to the broadcaster's team for the event last year sparked uproar.
In another body blow, The Telegraph reports Kyrgios will also not appear during ESPN's coverage of the tournament, despite working with the American broadcaster during the Australian Open in 2024 and 2025.
It has been a brutal few weeks for the 30-year-old after he was last month forced to pull out of his plans to play doubles with partner Jordan Thompson at the French Open.
Citing a recently flared up knee injury, Kyrgios was forced to pull out on the eve of the event and he last week confirmed he will not play at Wimbledon this year because of injuries.
The Telegraph reports a person close to the former world No. 13 has explained Kyrgios' absence from the BBC by pointing out that unlike last year, Kyrgios had hopes of playing the prestigious tournament this year.
Kyrgios divided opinions with his BBC commentary last year with many viewers impressed by his analysis and flare.
However, others were affronted with his casual commentary and bold fashion displays at the All England Club.
There was a much more serious issue Kyrgios faced at the start of the tournament after the BBC faced a backlash for hiring him.
His appointment by the BBC last year was met with criticism by senior politicians and violence against women organisations.
Kyrgios pleaded guilty to assaulting former girlfriend Chiara Passari in 2021, however those charges were dismissed.
UK member of parliament Caroline Nokes, the women and equalities committee chair, last year said the BBC should 'hang its head in shame' for hiring Kyrgios.
Nokes said last year: 'It's a disgrace and shows the utter contempt our national broadcaster has towards women.
'Not content with consistently underpaying their own female staff and forcing out women once they hit a certain age, they now bring a man who admitted assaulting a woman on board for Wimbledon.'
A BBC statement at the time said: '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.
'He has provided similar services to other major sports broadcasters in recent months.
'The legal process he was involved in has concluded, is well documented, and he has spoken about it publicly.'
Kyrgios has not played the event since his run through to the final in 2022 where he lost to Novak Djokovic.
Taking to Instagram last week, he said: 'Just wanted to give everyone a quick update – 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.
'Thank you for all your continued support – it means everything to me. See you soon!'
The former couple erased each other from their social media accounts and Hatzi last month said they no longer talk.
Kyrgios, who has been troubled by serious wrist and knee injuries, had been due to make his return to Paris for the first time since 2017 to partner Thompson.
Kyrgios has not won a grand slam singles match since 2022.