Nick Kyrgios has announced that the world number 108, Christopher Eubanks, will be taking over his role on the BBC`s coverage of Wimbledon this year.
Kyrgios, aged 30, contributed to the BBC`s commentary team during last year`s Championships, offering a fresh perspective alongside seasoned commentators like John McEnroe and Tim Henman.
Despite generally receiving positive feedback from viewers, Kyrgios was not invited back by the BBC for this year`s tournament.
The Australian player is expected to miss his third consecutive Wimbledon due to ongoing knee and wrist issues.
Kyrgios`s last appearance at the All England Club was in the 2022 final, where he was defeated by Novak Djokovic in four sets.
Eubanks achieved his best Wimbledon performance the following year, notably upsetting players such as Cameron Norrie and Stefanos Tsitsipas before being eliminated by Daniil Medvedev in five sets in the quarter-finals.
Commenting on not being selected by the BBC this year, Kyrgios told The Guardian: “It’s unfortunate, but it’s probably their loss more than mine.”
He added: “I understand they’ve got Chris Eubanks, but he hasn’t beaten the greatest of all time multiple times. When someone has 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.”
In addition to his commentary work at Wimbledon for the BBC, Kyrgios has also featured on the Tennis Channel`s coverage in the United States.
Meanwhile, American player Eubanks has been balancing his playing career with significant broadcasting work.
The former world number 29 has also worked for Tennis Channel, ESPN, and recently TNT Sports during the French Open (Roland Garros).
Kyrgios has not ruled out the possibility of working with the BBC again in the future.
The former Australian Open men`s doubles champion stated: “I’m sure our paths will cross again. I only ever want to add humour, some knowledge and some great atmosphere.”
Due to injuries, Kyrgios has participated in only six singles matches since October 2022.
His last match was in Miami in March, where he lost in the second round to Karen Khachanov.
Despite his uncertain playing status, having withdrawn from both Roland Garros and Wimbledon, Kyrgios remains determined to compete during the US hard court season, aiming for his first appearance at Flushing Meadows in three years.
He confirmed: “Yes, for sure. I’m definitely playing the US swing, and I’ll take it one day at a time.”
