Nick Kyrgios has joined forces with BBC’s Wimbledon team and his new colleague Andrew Castle has welcomed the addition as he believes Kyrgios “gives interesting observations”.
Former ATP #13 Kyrgios will not play in the main draw at Wimbledon this year because of injury and will decorate the SW19 commentary and analysis team as he has been added to BBC’s media team along with former World #1 Ashleigh Barty.
The two Aussies will commentate alongside regular BBC voices including John McEnroe, Billie Jean King, Martina Navratilova and Tracy Austin while Andrew Castle will once again attend to his behind the mic duties.
The Wimbledon gig will not be Kyrgios’ first stint in the commentary box at a Slam as he has already sat behind microphone at the 2024 Australian Open as well as 2023 Year-End ATP Finals. However, the colorful Australian’s induction in public broadcaster’s core team has not gone down well with many due to Kyrgios checkered past but Castle explained 2022 Wimbledon runner up’s utility and what he will contribute to the team.
“Well, I’ll tell you what my reaction wasn’t – surprise. It was something I expected to happen after I heard him commentating last time out [at the Australian Open],” he told Metro.co.uk.
“What has surprised me is that people seem surprised that he is articulate, intelligent, current and sharp-witted. That’s not a surprise to me. A lot of people who demonstrate the kind of talent and behavior on the court that he does, a lot of them have very active minds.
“I know there’s controversy around it. But the point is this: He’s very good at commentary. He gives interesting observations which are unique in many ways. I’m looking forward to it.”
Castle also explained that there is no bad blood between him and Kyrgios who infamously referred to him as a “clown” during Carlos Alcaraz’s win over Novak Djokovic in the 2023 final.
“Whoever is the clown next to [Todd] Woodbridge in that commentator box needs to just not speak ?? spoiling the match big time,” the Australian wrote on X.
The comment understandably drew headlines as Castle feels Kyrgios will bring the real “clickbait” content to the table.
“It was along the lines of calling the commentator an idiot. The commentator was either me or Todd Woodbridge. It could’ve been Tim Henman, there were three of us in there,” he said.
“I’ve got no issue at all with any of that. Everyone has the right to an opinion. Especially someone who’s been in a Wimbledon final. But, you know, the fact is that sitting on your sofa or in your car, it’s pretty easy from there.
“So … whatever … the point of social media is that everyone has a say, including Nick. Hey, I’m not surprised it got picked up on. Everything Nick says gets picked up. In this world of clickbait-driven stuff, he’s a real golden boy. I look forward to seeing him and working with him.’