Reports indicate that Nick Kyrgios will not be part of the BBC`s commentary team for Wimbledon in 2025. This decision follows the significant backlash his inclusion in the broadcast team generated last year.
Approximately a year prior to his commentating debut, the Australian player had confessed to assaulting a former girlfriend.
The Telegraph reports that the outspoken tennis personality is not expected to be included in the BBC`s coverage of the upcoming Grand Slam event (Wimbledon 2025).
The 30-year-old player had expressed a desire to compete at the All England Club, which would have been his first appearance there since his loss to Novak Djokovic in the 2022 final.
However, the player, often labelled a “bad boy” of tennis, announced that he would miss the tournament due to a persistent injury.
On Instagram, he shared an update stating: “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!”
His selection for the BBC team last year drew significant criticism from prominent Members of Parliament and women`s rights advocates.
Caroline Nokes, who chairs the women and equalities committee, strongly criticized the BBC, stating the broadcaster should be “ashamed” of its choice.
In response, the BBC issued a statement clarifying: “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 had admitted to an assault on his former girlfriend, Chiara Passari, in February 2023.
However, an Australian magistrate in Canberra described the 2021 incident as “a single act of stupidity or frustration” and chose not to impose a criminal conviction.
