Nick Kyrgios’ commentary debut at the ATP Finals is a moment the Aussie star won’t soon forget.
The 28-year-old joined the Tennis Channel team for the prestigious event in Turin, Italy after enduring a horror 2023.
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First viral moment for @NickKyrgios 💀 pic.twitter.com/jvkgSl19Ow
— Tennis Channel (@TennisChannel) November 16, 2023
His season has been riddled by various injuries, which have ruled him out of all four Grand Slams and resulted in his ranking falling well outside the top 100.
Despite being out of action the Canberra native remains one of the most talked about figures on the circuit and proved as much on Thursday as tennis fans heaped praise on the former world number 11 for his ability as a TV analyst.
The tweets were read out live on air with Brett Haber, Jim Courier and Andy Roddick all revelling in their new colleague’s glow.
One tweet read: “Looking good on Tennis Channel in Los Angeles. Nick is a natural, I hope after tennis he goes into broadcasting.”
Another read: “Sign Nick Kyrgios to a long term broadcasting deal. He has great tennis knowledge and insight. Fun to listen to him call the match.”
Unfortunately it wasn’t all smooth sailing for Kyrgios as he suffered a horror slip of the tongue while commentating Daniil Medvedev’s clash against Alexander Zverev.
“When you look at people who have had sex … success against Medvedev,” Kyrgios said.
“You know Alcaraz every time he plays against him he’s moving forward taking all those volleys, taking time away … it’s crucial.”
His fellow commentators weren’t going to let the gaffe go though as they quickly pointed out the error.
“Welcome to your first viral Tennis Channel moment, Nick. That was good,” Haber said.
Kyrgios unaware of what he’d just said responded: “What happened?”
Haber said: “We’ll replay it for you during the commercial.”
Laughter then broke out as the awkward incident dawned on Kyrgios.
“Oh I think I know, that’s hilarious,” he said.
Medvedev proved too strong in the contest as he booked his place in the last four after taking down Zverev 7-6, 6-4.
World number three Medvedev had to win in straight sets to claim a spot in the semi-finals in Turin with a match to spare and he saw off big-hitting German Zverev in a stodgy Red Group encounter.
He faces Carlos Alcaraz, a 7-5, 6-2 winner earlier in the day, in his final match and has the world number two’s last-four hopes in his hands.
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“I hope that I feel well tomorrow and ready to fight because this tournament is tricky,” said Medvedev.
“I’m into the semis but you want to keep the rhythm and against Carlos … if we play at night you don’t want to finish 7-6 in the third (set) at midnight. I just hope I can show my best tennis.”
AFP
