Nick Kyrgios lands new role for ‘alternative’ coverage of Wimbledon finals

Nick Kyrgios will provide “watchalong” punditry on TNT Sport’s new Wimbledon coverage after hitting out at his BBC omission from this year’s coverage.

In what is being promoted as spicy “alternative” commentary for the tournament, Kyrgios will be providing analysis for both the men’s and women’s finals.

TNT Sports sources played down any suggestion its coverage, which also features on Discovery+, will be a direct competitor to the BBC’s. Instead, the channel says it is offering its subscribers “an alternative viewing experience” generally of coverage.

However, the choice of Kyrgios will not go unnoticed at the BBC after he said it was “their loss” that he would not be on corporation coverage.

TNT’s studio coverage is fronted by Craig Doyle, with Alastair Eykyn providing lead commentary. Kyrgios will be joined by fellow players CoCo Vandeweghe and Dan Evans in what appears to be a lively analyst line-up.

The Australian joined the BBC’s team last year as a commentator and pundit after he was ruled out of the tournament with a wrist injury and was a popular guest among viewers. However, his inclusion caused controversy, with senior MPs after Caroline Nokes, then chair of the Women and Equalities Select Committee, said the BBC should “hang its head in shame” for agreeing terms after he admitted to assaulting an ex-girlfriend.

“I know I’m a great commentator,” the 30-year-old has said since, adding “it’s unfortunate but it’s probably their loss more than mine” when asked about the BBC’s decision to not use him at Wimbledon.

In addition to a daily highlights show throughout the tournament, TNT Sports is broadcasting both finals live after Eurosport was folded into its coverage.

Eurosport has held the rights to broadcast both singles finals in the UK from Wimbledon since 2016. That package is not viewed as a direct competitor to the BBC’s as it serves another 10 markets for Eurosport.

Outspoken watchalong formats have become increasingly popular with younger viewers in the era of multi-screening. YouTube influencers such as Mark Goldbridge have huge followings after pioneering the style. Gary Neville has also dabbled with a watchalong format for his Overlap podcast platform.