Tennis bad boy Nick Kyrgios has been dropped by both the BBC and ESPN ahead of this year’s Wimbledon tournament, in a double blow to the 30-year-old as he continues to battle ongoing injury setbacks.
Reports surfaced on Wednesday revealing the BBC has decided not to include Kyrgios in its broadcast team when coverage begins on June 30. The move comes a year after his controversial debut as a pundit for the network, which drew both praise and backlash from audiences and public figures.
Adding to the disappointment, The Telegraph has also reported that Kyrgios will not feature in ESPN’s Wimbledon coverage, despite his recent commentary roles with the American broadcaster during the Australian Open in both 2024 and 2025.
The former world No.13 has faced a difficult run of weeks, pulling out of the French Open last month due to a flare-up of a knee injury that also forced him to withdraw from this year’s Wimbledon. On Instagram, Kyrgios shared his frustration and assured fans he was working hard on his recovery:
“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… This is just a bump in the road though, and I’m already working hard to get back stronger than ever.”
Kyrgios hasn’t played at Wimbledon since his memorable run to the final in 2022, where he lost to Novak Djokovic. Last year, with no plans to compete, he joined the BBC’s commentary team, offering insights that divided opinion. While some fans appreciated his frank analysis and distinctive personality, others criticised his laid-back delivery and flamboyant fashion.
More seriously, his appointment in 2023 was condemned by women’s rights groups and politicians due to a past domestic assault charge involving his former partner Chiara Passari. Kyrgios pleaded guilty, but the charge was later dismissed. Among his critics was UK MP Caroline Nokes, chair of the Women and Equalities Committee, who slammed the BBC for the hire, calling it “a disgrace” and accusing the broadcaster of showing “utter contempt” for women.
At the time, the BBC defended its decision in a statement, saying it did not condone Kyrgios’ past behaviour and that his involvement was strictly limited to tennis commentary.
A source close to Kyrgios has since claimed his absence from this year’s commentary box was influenced by his desire to compete at Wimbledon in 2024 – hopes that were dashed by injury.
As he continues his recovery, Kyrgios remains a polarising figure in the tennis world – equally capable of commanding attention with a racquet or a microphone, whether on court or off.
Images: Instagram
