Nick Kyrgios’ new job divides tennis fans

2023 has been a frustrating year for controversial tennis ace Nick Kyrgios. But once again he is causing a stir and this time it’s off the court.

The one time Wimbledon finalist who’s also won multiple ATP Tour titles as well as the men’s doubles at the Australian Open, has only played one professional tennis match this year, in Stuttgart where he went down in straight sets to China’s Wu Yibing.

Citing multiple injuries throughout the year and promising he still has “fire left in the tank”, the 28 year old star who hails from Canberra, will from this weekend be commentating for the Tennis Channel at the prestigious ATP Finals from November, 12 to 19.

In a statement, the Tennis Channel said: “Nick Kyrgios, whose electric style of play and straight-to-the-point conversational approach have endeared him to millions of fans around the world, is joining Tennis Channel as an analyst during its coverage of the ATP Finals November 12-19.

“It will be Kyrgios’ first time working with the network, and it will happen during the most exclusive event in men’s tennis, with just the top eight singles players and doubles teams qualifying for the event based on points earned during the 2023 season.”

Will be an absolute pleasure to have @NickKyrgios joining us next week! #TCLive pic.twitter.com/KooL2iRjzd

— Tennis Channel (@TennisChannel) November 8, 2023

Tennis fans who seemingly have a love hate relationship with the player who’s volatile on court antics have earned him the reputation as the bad boy of tennis, were divided about this new development in his career.

Some were excited to see him back in action and looking forward to hearing his insights into the games.

“Love it! Knows todays game and has some of the best shots of any player (yes, including @DjokerNole) Can’t wait to hear and see him again. Always entertaining.”

“He’ll probably be brilliant as a commentator, as he is in doubles or on a team. He just can’t handle singles, and I hope he never tries again.”

“Should be great. Not many people have played with or against everyone in the finals and knows their game so well. A few might turn off for every thousand new viewers you get so I say yes.”

“Big news and I’m loving it. Big ups Nick. Congratulations.”

While others threatened to turn off their tellys if they had to listen to him:

“Then I won’t be watching!”

“Add one more reason not to watch Tennis Channel.”

“Is someone going to translate what he says into English?”

“Will be a pleasure to shut it off. I love tennis but you are racing to a bottom that you don’t seem to think exists.”

Following a stellar 2022 which saw Kyrgios make the finals at Wimbledon and US Open quarter finals, 2023 was lacklustre at best following a knee surgery which forced him to withdraw from the Australian Open. Later he withdrew from the French Open, Wimbledon and the US Open due to wrist injury. 

Despite the injury setbacks and widespread speculation that Kyrgios is on the verge of quitting tennis altogether, Tennis Australia CEO Craig Tiley reassured the public and media at the Australian Open launch last month that the tennis star will be back in action on home ground for the 2024 tournament.

“I personally believe in the communication that he’s motivated to come back and play in January,

“He loves playing here … in front of his crowd. He knows everyone wants him to play.”