While tennis fans gear up for another thrilling Wimbledon season, one familiar face won’t be joining the BBC’s pundit lineup this year.
Nick Kyrgios, the Australian star known as much for his unpredictable game as his off-court headlines, has reportedly been dropped from the network’s coverage plans.
BBC Bows to Backlash Over Kyrgios’ Controversial Past
Kyrgios served as a pundit during last year’s Wimbledon, but the decision stirred a wave of public criticism.
Viewers weren’t quick to forget that just a year prior, he had publicly admitted to assaulting his former girlfriend, Chiara Passari.
That controversy seems to have caught up with him.
According to The Telegraph, the BBC has decided not to bring him back for this year’s tournament.
ESPN Follows Suit: No Kyrgios in U.S. Coverage Either
The decision doesn’t stop with the UK.
Reports also indicate that Kyrgios won’t be appearing on ESPN’s American Wimbledon coverage.
The absence is notable, especially given his past role as a finalist at the prestigious Grand Slam.
Injury Woes Continue to Derail Kyrgios’ Return
Beyond the media roles, Kyrgios’ actual return to competitive tennis has been anything but smooth.
After struggling with a series of injuries over the past couple of years—including issues with his foot, knee, and wrist—he faced yet another setback at the beginning of June.
That led him to pull out of the doubles draw at this year’s Championships, extending his Grand Slam absence to a third consecutive year.
Attempts at a Comeback Hit Multiple Roadblocks
Late last year, Kyrgios sparked hopes of a full return to the ATP Tour after recovering from wrist surgery. But fresh problems kept popping up.
An abdominal strain in January nearly kept him out of the Australian Open, and he was ousted in the first round by Jacob Fearnley.
Since then, he’s only played four matches all season and managed to win just one, against Mackenzie McDonald at the Miami Open in March.
Kyrgios Speaks Out: “Just a Bump in the Road”
Despite all the setbacks, Kyrgios is trying to stay optimistic.
In a recent social media post, he shared an update with fans: “I’ve hit a small setback in my recovery and unfortunately won’t make it back for grass season this year,” he wrote.
“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.”
So, What’s Next for Nick Kyrgios?
With Wimbledon out of reach and no analyst gigs lined up either, Kyrgios finds himself on the sidelines—both on and off the court.
Whether he’s able to bounce back from his latest injury and re-enter the sport, either with a racket or a microphone, remains to be seen.
For now, the tennis world moves forward without one of its most polarizing figures.