Outspoken Australian tennis star Nick Kyrgios has publicly criticised the BBC’s “very strange” decision to drop him from its coverage Wimbledon 2025.
His reaction was characteristically candid and laced with snarky comments about the broadcaster’s decision and his potential replacement.
Nick Kyrgios is not part of the commentary team for this year’s Wimbledon[/caption]
Tennis bad boy Nick Kyrgios had been hoping to play at the All England Club for the first time since losing the 2022 final to Novak Djokovic.
However, The 30-year-old confirmed he would not be appearing because of a recurring injury.
What did Nick Kyrgios say?
He said on Instagram: “Just wanted to give everyone a quick update — l’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!”
And on June 10, 2025, reports emerged that he won’t even be there as a commentator — which he has now confirmed.
Confidence in his own credentials
Despite this setback, Nick clearly believes in his commentating abilities, telling 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”.
He argued that his extensive experience on the professional circuit, including victories over some of the sport’s greatest players, sets him apart from other pundits.
Criticism of the BBC and his replacement
Nick didn’t shy away from questioning the BBC’s decision, describing his exclusion as “unfortunate” and insisting: “it’s probably their loss more than mine”.
Referencing his apparent replacement on the commentary team, Nick said: “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”.
Eubanks’ best run at Wimbledon came in 2023, when he stunned the likes of Cameron Norrie and Stefanos Tsitsipas before losing in five sets to Daniil Medvedev in the quarter-finals.
I know I’m a great commentator. All I’ve done for 20 years is play, study and breathe this sport
Nick Kyrgios
But Nick hasn’t shut the door on working for the BBC again at some point in the future, explaining: “I’m sure our paths will cross again.
“I only ever want to add humour, some knowledge and some great atmosphere.”
Nick on Wimbledon
Despite his disappointment, Nick expressed his enduring affection for Wimbledon, recalling his breakthrough on the Grand Slam stage at the event in 2014 and describing it as “the pinnacle of tennis”.
He also acknowledged feeling somewhat out of place at the tournament, saying: “I definitely feel like a snowman in the desert there, but I enjoy it”.
Although Nick has now pulled out of this year’s Roland Garros and Wimbledon, he is determined to resume playing this year.
He added: “Yes, for sure. I’m definitely playing the US swing and I’ll take it one day at a time.”
Nick’s last match at Wimbledon was losing the 2022 final to Novak Djokovic[/caption]
Nick’s hiring by the BBC in 2024 was met with criticism by senior MPs and women’s campaigners.
Women and equalities committee chair Caroline Nokes said the broadcaster should “hang its head in shame”.
A BBC statement at the time said: “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.”
In February 2023, Nick admitted to assaulting ex-girlfriend Chiara Passari.
But a magistrate in Canberra, Australia, said the 2021 incident was “a single act of stupidity or frustration” — sparing the sports star from receiving a criminal record.
The BBC is yet to issue an official public explanation for its decision.
