Tennis icon’s return to Aus Open turns instantly devastating

Tennis legend Jim Courier is back at the Australian Open with the American missing the start of the tournament for devastating reasons.

Jim Courier is back and the tennis legend couldn’t have done so soon enough.

The American returned to his TV duties at the Australian Open on Friday night after missing the first five days of the tournament for devastating reasons.

Courier only briefly touched on his personal connections to the Los Angeles fire tragedy that has rocked the United States this month.

It emerged last week the 54-year-old was going to skip the first week of the tournament because of the disaster, which has killed at least 27 people and destroyed 12,300 structures in the Californian city.

Courier’s first comments on Channel 9’s coverage for the Open showed his thoughts remain with those close to him impacted by the wild fires back home.

Channel 9’s James Bracey introduced Courier to the broadcast desk by telling the former Aussie Open champ he has been “missed”.

“The Australian Open really feels like it’s getting started now because the man synonymous with the tournament, particularly on Australian screens, Jim Courier is in the house for the first time,” he said.

“You’ve been missed. Welcome back.”

Jim Courier was all class. Photo: Channel 9.

The great man is back. Photo: Channel 9.

Courier responded: “It’s so good to see you. It’s so good to be back here.

“It’s been a challenging time in Los Angeles where I live. I know Australians are very familiar with the challenges wild fires can present. L.A. will be back.

“Things are better now. Thankfully, hopefully, it’ll stay that way. I’m ready to focus on some tennis and concentrate on that.”

Courier has been a fan favourite ever since his first appearance on Aussie TV screens in 2005.

So the beloved American’s absence at Melbourne Park this year was noticed almost immediately, as many took to social media to ask where Courier was during the early days of the tournament.

Jim Courier and Ana de Armas at last year’s men’s Australian Open final. Picture: Mark Stewart

Jim Courier has been a staple of the Australian Open broadcast for two decades. (AP Photo/Vincent Thian)

The former world No. 1 was in Australia just weeks ago when he anchored the station’s coverage of the United Cup, but he returned home before the Open.

The Age reported last week Courier’s home was not damaged during the wild fire crisis, but he elected to remain there to support family and friends impacted by the disaster.

His return is very welcome news for fans, who have been critical of some of the other media personalities at the Open this year.

Thursday night’s marathon thriller, won by teenager Learner Tien against Daniil Medvedev at 3am (AEDT), was briefly overshadowed by an awkward interview the American held with Aussie tennis great John Fitzgerald.

Jelena Dokic’s dance with Aryna Sabalenka earlier in the tournament also divided opinion.

Dokic, Lleyton Hewitt, John McEnroe, Sam Stosur, Todd Woodbridge, Casey Dellacqua and John Millman have led Channel 9’s coverage.

Courier is expected to see out the tournament with Nine.

He is also featuring as a commentator with Eurosport throughout the Aussie Open.

Originally published as Tennis icon’s return to Aus Open turns instantly devastating