Nine has supercharged its commentary for the Australian Open by luring John McEnroe back, and adding two prominent Olympians to the coverage.
McEnroe, the seven-time grand slam winner and former world No. 1, will again play a significant role, with Nine confirming the major coup.
One of the sport’s straight shooters as an authoritative – but sometimes antagonistic – voice, McEnroe, 65, returned to Australian shores last year for the first time since 2020, having until that point been a regular in the commentary booth and facilitator of on-court interviews here.
He will join fellow American Jim Courier and Australians Todd Woodbridge and Jelena Dokic as the key figures of Nine’s expanded coverage. Nine is the owner of this masthead.
Olympic champions Jess Fox and Ariarne Titmus will also join the commentary team.
Brent Williams, Nine’s director of sport, said the Australian Open was “without doubt the greatest sporting event on the Australian summer calendar”.
“The best players in the world have assembled in Melbourne for what promises to be another scintillating and compelling fortnight of tennis on the courts. While around the grounds, the thriving festival of food, music, family and entertainment is ready to be brought to life,” Williams said.
While Nine and 9Gem remain the primary channels, Williams said every court will be streamed live and free on 9Now.