In tennis, it has become increasingly popular to see former players make the transition from the tour to the press box and become broadcasters/hosts commentators and analysts.
Whether it be due to retirement, injury, or simply a change of scenery we are seeing familiar faces back on our screens covering some of the biggest events in tennis.
From John McEnroe to Jelena Dokic, many former and current players have made the switch to the media or are currently combining whilst still playing.
However, is the “free pass” pros are getting into the world of sports media merited and are they the best picks for the job?
First and foremost, it goes without saying that former players have years of experience and accumulated knowledge of not only tennis matches but also life on tour and have a niche behind-the-scenes view of professional tennis. Their insights and input therefore can be extremely insightful in analysing the game. Yet, there is something that the majority of these players turned “broadcasters” lack. That is the relevant education and experience in the field of broadcasting.
Most professional commentators have at least a bachelor's collegiate/university degree in relevant fields along with years of experience.
While studying and acquiring the specific skill set necessary to do the job at the highest level, professional commentators also need to go up the ranks through internships, entry-level, and then full-time positions. Their expertise covers public speaking, verbal and physical communication skills, writing, research, data analysis, and flexibility with the ability to work under pressure.
A prime example is Chris Fowler, the esteemed American sports host and commentator, who works as the College Football and Grand Slam tennis host & commentator for ESPN. He has been at ESPN for over 25 years and established himself as one of the best Grand Slam tennis commentators and hosts.
He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in radio/television news from the University of Colorado in 1985. While studying he also held multiple positions in sports media that helped him build his repertoire and experience.
Without the foundation of education, it can be difficult for former pros to translate their tennis knowledge to commentary in a way that is coherent for spectators and fans of
the sport. This can lead to a variety of issues such as incomprehensible commentary, redundant or irrelevant questions, and comments, and worst of all biased analysis.
A key aspect of the role of a sports broadcaster is the ability to work without bias. This is where we see many former pros create controversies and media storms. One notable example is Nick Kyrgios who commentated on this year’s US Open. During his commentary of the match between Ben Shelton and Dominic Theim in the first round, Kyrgios stated: "I’m not going to be as hospitable to him as I was before when I’m in the locker room,” in relation to the Jannik Sinner banned substance controversy.
Regardless of anyone’s stance on the positive result of Sinner’s tests, and the ITIA’s decision to clear him, as a commentator you must remain objective and free of bias. The fact that Kyrgios plans to perhaps return as a player further makes it difficult for him to maintain this objective stance without getting his personal opinion involved. Media and personal bias on tour especially in regard to current players make it extremely hard for former pros to report with professionalism.
While many former pros may know the game inside out, they could lack the education and expertise necessary to do the job of a commentator/analyst objectively to a high standard. It could be worth considering having courses or a level of education necessary and available for former pros to be able to transition to the commentary space in tennis with a deeper understanding of what the job entails.
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