Channel 9 has recently revealed their commentary team for the upcoming 2023 Australian Open, with regular American John McEnroe excluded from the line-up.
It has been reported that McEnroe won’t be venturing down to Australia for the opening Grand Slam of the tennis season.
ESPN opted not to send the seven-time Grand Slam champion, instead he will be working with Eurosport on their coverage of the Australian Open.
Former Australian tennis player Sam Groth will also not be a part of the coverage.
Groth was recently voted in as a member of Nepean and couldn’t commit to the tennis.
Who is the 2023 Australian Open commentary team?
The Herald Sun did disclose that fan-favourite and former champion Jim Courier will take his place on-court and in the commentary booth as part of the Channel 9 crew.
Joining him will be Todd Woodbridge, Lleyton Hewitt, Jelena Dokic, Dylan Alcott, Casey Dellacqua, Sam Smith, Alicia Molik, Mark Philippoussis, Darren Cahill and Peter Psaltis.
On Channel 9, the hosts will be James Bracey, Roz Kelly and Tony Jones, while on 9Gem Nick McArdle, Emma Lawrence and Seb Costello will take charge of the broadcast.
In an off-court capacity, former AFL player and reporter Matthew Pavlich will join Alicia Loxley, Clint Stanaway, Danika Mason and Madeline Slattery.
The surprising inclusion of the Fremantle star will help fill the void left by Lauren Phillips.
Also off the court, Andy Lee will be bringing his show The Hundred across to the Australian Open in a new and surprising twist.
Lee will work alongside Sophie Monk and Mike Goldstein on the special edition of his show beside some of the biggest names in tennis.
Fans will also have the option on 9Now to follow The Morning Serve, which offers a comprehensive and elaborate look at the day ahead as well as the big talking points from the Grand Slam.
Australian wildcard John Millan will give expert insight and commentary throughout the fortnight to Nine’s print mastheads, radio division and @wwos social media accounts.
In addition to Channel 9 and 9Now, Stan Sport will have every match ad-free, live and on demand.
Nine’s Director of Sport, Brent Williams, said the Australian Open is a key piece to the year of sport and requires the “biggest names in the game” to give viewers the best coverage.
“The Australian Open has become an integral piece of our programming schedule and 2023 promises to be no different. The biggest names in the game are here and the storylines evolving are as compelling as always,” Williams said.
“Whether you’re a tennis fanatic, a general sports lover or a casual fan, Nine has all bases covered for viewers to consume the ultimate summer sports festival however they choose.”
What does Sam Groth do now?
In November 2022, Groth was elected as the Liberal Party candidate for the seat of Nepean.
JUST IN: Former tennis champion Sam Groth is projected to win the seat of Nepean for the Liberals.
The Channel 9 commentator ousts incumbent Labor MP Chris Brayne.
MORE: https://t.co/m5pvPpNxmj#VicVotes | WATCH LIVE on @Channel9 and @9Now pic.twitter.com/xzsYmfwbpO
— 9News Melbourne (@9NewsMelb) November 26, 2022
Following the COVID-19 pandemic and countless lockdowns, the former tennis player took to social media to voice his opinions.
According to an article by IndependentAustralia, Groth’s “truly tone-deaf opinions and his pre-selection bid” were endorsed by Josh Frydenberg, Jeff Kennett and James Newbury, who were all against the lockdowns.
Groth ousted incumbent Labor MP, Chris Brayne, for the southernmost part of the Mornington Peninsula.
