BBC hits back as British MP blasts Nick Kyrgios Wimbledon job ‘a disgrace’

British broadcaster the BBC has responded after an MP erupted over the hiring of Aussie star Nick Kyrgios for Wimbledon commentary.

Kyrgios jokes with John McEnroe. Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images

The BBC has released a statement after a British politician launched an extraordinary attack on the hiring of Nick Kyrgios for its Wimbledon coverage.

The 29-year-old Kyrgios was a Wimbledon finalist in 2022 but has spent most of the time since recovering from knee and wrist injuries which have derailed his on-court career.

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But while the tennis drawcard hasn’t been able to play for most of the past two seasons, he has been setting himself up for life after tennis with his media commitments.

Kyrgios has been a headline get for commentary in grand slams in recent months, while also launching a podcast, Good Trouble with Nick Kyrgios, under fellow tennis star Naomi Osaka’s Hana Kuma brand.

The Aussie has been a hot commodity for the majors, but his most recent gig with the BBC drew criticism, with Conservative British MP Caroline Nokes blasting the decision to hire him.

“The BBC should hang its head in shame at this appointment,” Nokes, the chair of the British parliament’s women and equalities committee, said.

“It’s a disgrace and shows the utter contempt our national broadcaster has towards women.

“Not content with consistently underpaying their own female staff and forcing out women once they hit a certain age, they now bring a man who admitted assaulting a woman on board for Wimbledon.”

British Conservative Party politician Caroline Nokes.

The politician went after Kyrgios. Photo by Kelly Defina/Getty Images

The criticism comes after Kyrgios pleaded guilty to assault in his 2023 court battle with ex-girlfriend Chiara Passari.

The case related to a 2021 incident, in which Kyrgios had pushed Passari to the ground during an argument.

At the time, Passari told the court she had been severely traumatised by the incident and that she felt “scared to be alone” after the assault, and that the “trust and safety I felt with Nick no longer existed”.

But Magistrate Beth Campbell dismissed the charges, citing the significant publicity surrounding the trial in part of her reasoning for the case not warranting a conviction.

The Magistrate called the incident an “act of stupidity”. Kyrgios released a statement after the decision was handed down, saying, “I reacted to a difficult situation in a way I deeply regret,” as well as adding that he was “sincerely sorry”.

The BBC released a statement saying the incident was not premeditated, and that he was hired for his tennis expertise.

“As a current and high profile player, Nick Kyrgios, will provide insight and analysis of the action on the court from his experience in the game,” the public broadcaster said.

“We are in no way condoning his cited previous actions or behaviours, on and off the court, and he is employed to share his views on tennis only.

“He has provided similar services to other major sports broadcasters in recent months.

“The legal process he was involved in has concluded, is well documented, and he has spoken about it publicly.”

Kyrgios has impressed behind the mic. Photo by Graham Denholm/Getty Images

Kyrgios got put in his place over his first round commentary at Wimbledon though.

As Carlos Alcaraz went up against Mark Lajal, Kyrgios was full of praise for the Spanish superstar. But it was five words that got him in trouble as he sat alongside Tim Henman and Nick Lester.

Alcaraz produced a play straight out of Henman’s book when he won a point in the opening set with a picturesque serve and volley.

“That looked like prime (Tim) Henman,” Kyrgios remarked.

Lester however wasn’t having it as he quickly jumped in to tell Kyrgios off by stating: “Steady Nick it’s only day one.”

Alcaraz ultimately made light work of his opening round opponent and booked his spot in the second round where he’ll take on Aussie Aleksandar Vukic.

And in the end there was plenty of love for Kyrgios’ commentary.

One fan wrote: “Nick Kyrgios is a funny commentary addition to the tennis old boys’ club of Henman & Castle.”

Another said: “Kyrgios was a pleasant surprise as analyst.”

Another commented: “Nick Kyrgios miles better than that non grand slam finalist Tim Henman in the commentary box. More Nick less Tim please.”

Originally published as BBC hits back as British MP blasts Nick Kyrgios Wimbledon job ‘a disgrace’