Wimbledon is finally back and with Nick Kyrgios a new face in the commentary booth, he’s already looking to provide refreshing insights.
After fast starts at Wimbledon and a grand slam each for Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz this year, the pair have convincingly taken over from the previous generation of tennis giants.
During Alcaraz’s comprehensive opening-round victory against Estonian qualifier Mark Lajal, Nick Kyrgios took up his new position in the Wimbledon commentary booth to help analyze the match and depart some of his own wisdom.
An astonishing display of shot-making from Alcaraz on the opening day of Wimbledon coverage left the commentary booth brimming with praise as the young Spaniard laid down an early claim for the title.
Who does Nick Kyrgios think might compete with Sinner and Alcaraz?
The previous 20 years of tennis has been dominated by the proverbial ‘big three’ of Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Novak Djokovic, but with their premiership more or less over, Sinner and Alcaraz have taken up their positions at the top.
While the defending champion showed off his delicate selection of shots, a huge cross-court forehand winner at 5-5 in the second set prompted an interesting take from the former Wimbledon runner-up.
Kyrgios said on the BBC during Alcaraz’s first clash at Wimbledon 2024: “I’m more intrigued on who that ‘third guy’ is going to be. Alongside those two [Sinner and Alcaraz], you had Holger Rune there for a little bit.”
BBC co-pundit Nick Lester jumped in asking: “Has he [Rune] been left behind? Could Jack Draper get in the mix?”
The 29-year-old immediately responded: “I think Jack Draper’s an amazing player, big lefty, he’s got an exciting game, he’s already had a couple of victories ever these guys. I think he definitely could be in the mix.
“Holger has got that game, but I think he’s got a lot of external things he needs to solve.”
How has Jack Draper earned such high praise?
With Andy Murray’s withdrawal from the singles draw this morning, the young British talent and 2018 Junior Wimbledon runner-up has the hopes of the nation on his shoulders.
Draper’s grass-court form looks incredibly sharp and his powerful, instinctive game stands him in perfect stead to take on this lofty challenge.
Having secured the title in Stuttgart three weeks ago after overcoming Matteo Berrettini in the final, before going on to continue this rich vein of form at Queen’s to beat Alcaraz, that third spot is potentially his if the upcoming fortnight goes his way.
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