Featured Image Credit: BBC
Topics: Nick Kyrgios, Wimbledon, Tennis
Chris Byfield
Nick Kyrgios aimed a dig at the BBC upon not being asked to be part of their Wimbledon coverage.
For the third year in succession, enigmatic Australian star Kyrgios will not be competing at Wimbledon.
The 30-year-old, who had missed the previous two tournaments with foot and wrist injuries, ruled himself out of the entire grass season earlier this month due to a recurring knee problem.
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Upon the withdrawal, many expected Kyrgios to nonetheless provide analysis of the tournament for the BBC, as he had done in previous years.
Kyrgios told the Guardian: “I know I’m a great commentator. 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.”
However, the 2022 Wimbledon finalist hit out at the BBC after not being picked up for their coverage this year, and suggested the broadcaster had opted for former World No.29 Chris Eubanks instead.
The Australian continued: "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."
On the Grand Slam itself, Kyrgios added: “Wimbledon holds special memories for me. 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. But I don’t always feel so comfortable there either because I don’t act like the normal tennis player.
“Wimbledon takes note of that a lot. I definitely feel like a snowman in the desert there but I enjoy it.”