In a fiery twist to the pre-Wimbledon drama, Australian tennis star Nick Kyrgios unleashed a scathing critique of the BBC on June 21, 2025, after learning he would not return as a pundit for the 2025 Championships, set to begin on June 30. The 30-year-old, known for his electrifying on-court presence and unfiltered commentary, took to the media to express his frustration, branding the broadcaster’s decision “very strange” and taking a pointed swipe at his apparent replacement, American player Chris Eubanks. Kyrgios’s outspoken remarks have ignited a heated debate among tennis fans, underscoring his polarizing yet undeniable impact on the sport.
Kyrgios, who debuted as a BBC commentator during last year’s Wimbledon while recovering from wrist surgery, was widely praised for his insightful and charismatic analysis. His absence from the 2025 lineup came as a shock, especially after he confirmed he would miss competing at the All England Club due to a “small setback” in his recovery from a knee injury that also forced him to withdraw from the French Open. “It’s unfortunate but it’s probably their loss more than mine,” Kyrgios declared, exuding confidence in his value as a broadcaster. He didn’t stop there, subtly shading Eubanks, currently ranked 108th in the world, by highlighting his own storied career. “I understand they’ve got Chris Eubanks, but he hasn’t beaten the greatest of all time multiple times,” Kyrgios quipped, referencing his victories over tennis titans Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Andy Murray, and Novak Djokovic.
The Australian’s commentary stint last year was a highlight for many viewers, offering a fresh perspective alongside veterans like John McEnroe and Tim Henman. “I know I’m a great commentator,” Kyrgios asserted, emphasizing his lifelong dedication to the sport. “All I’ve done for 20 years is play, study, and breathe this sport. I also think tennis needs commentators who say things that not everyone says.” His unique blend of humor, candor, and insider knowledge made him a standout, but his exclusion this year has sparked speculation about the BBC’s motives, particularly in light of past controversies surrounding his hiring.
In 2024, the BBC faced significant backlash for employing Kyrgios, who admitted to assaulting his ex-girlfriend Chiara Passari in 2021. Though the charges were dismissed without a conviction, with the magistrate describing the incident as a “single act of stupidity,” the decision drew ire from women’s advocacy groups and politicians. Despite the criticism, Kyrgios defended his role, insisting the matter was “dealt with” and that his focus was on enhancing tennis coverage. The BBC, at the time, stood by their choice, stating he was hired solely for his tennis expertise. However, his absence from this year’s lineup, coupled with reports that he won’t appear on ESPN’s Wimbledon coverage either, suggests a shift in broadcaster priorities.
Eubanks, 29, brings his own credentials to the commentary booth. A 2023 Wimbledon quarterfinalist, he has built a strong reputation as a pundit in the U.S., working with Tennis Channel, ESPN, and TNT Sports. Yet, Kyrgios’s remarks underscore a perceived gap in their respective resumes, with the Australian leveraging his triumphs over the “Big Four” to assert his superiority as an analyst. “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,” he said, doubling down on his critique.
Kyrgios’s Wimbledon journey remains deeply personal. As the 2022 finalist, where he fell to Djokovic in a thrilling four-set battle, he holds the tournament in high regard. “Wimbledon holds special memories for me,” he shared. “It’s the first Grand Slam where I broke through, and it’s the pinnacle of tennis. Every time you step into the grounds, you feel the energy and the aura.” Yet, he admitted to feeling like an outsider at times, noting, “I don’t always feel so comfortable there because I don’t act like the normal tennis player. I definitely feel like a snowman in the desert there, but I enjoy it.”
Despite the snub, Kyrgios remains optimistic about his future, both in broadcasting and on the court. “I’m sure our paths will cross again,” he said of the BBC, hinting at potential collaborations down the line. “I only ever want to add humor, some knowledge, and some great atmosphere.” On the playing front, he’s targeting a comeback during the North American hard-court swing, with the US Open as a key goal. “Yes, for sure,” he affirmed when asked about returning to competition. “I’m definitely playing the US swing and I’ll take it one day at a time.”
As Wimbledon approaches, Kyrgios’s absence from the commentary booth will be felt, but his voice continues to resonate. Whether he’s smashing aces or sparking headlines, the Canberra native remains a lightning rod in tennis, unafraid to challenge the status quo. While Eubanks steps into the spotlight, Kyrgios’s legacy as a player and pundit ensures he’ll remain a topic of conversation, his passion for the game as undeniable as ever.
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