Seven - AO Tennis 2011 media kit - Seven West Media

CHANNEL 7’s HOT SUMMER OF TENNIS 

Channel 7 is set to serve up another sizzling summer of tennis from Brisbane, 

Sydney and then Melbourne, culminating in the first Grand Slam of the year, the 

Australian Open. 

Arguably the greatest rivalry in world sports is set to continue in Melbourne. Many 

experts predict Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer will again face off in the final, 

with Nadal going for his fourth Grand Slam in a row, the ‘Rafa slam’, and Federer 

in hot form after his recent ATP World Tour Finals win. But expect Brit Andy 

Murray going for his first Slam, previous winner Novak Djokovic and World No. 5 

Robyn Soderling to be snapping at their heels. 

The race for the women’s title has been blown wide open with the absence of 

five-time winner Serena Williams. Can Kim Clijsters step up and win? Or will local 

girl Sam Stosur salute in an historic hometown win? 

Channel 7 will commence its primetime coverage at 7pm in week one, and 

7.30pm in week two. Prime time finals for the men’s and women’s singles 

attracted an average audience of 2.42million and 1.89million viewers respectively 

in 2010 eclipsing the previous year. 

As well as the Grand Slam of Asia/Pacific, Channel 7 will cover the Australian 

Open series tournaments including the Brisbane International and Medibank 

International in Sydney, as well as the AAMI Kooyong Classic in Melbourne. 

Seven’s summer of tennis will be headed by JOHANNA GRIGGS, MATT WHITE 

and HAMISH MCLACHLAN with BRUCE McAVANEY back in the commentary 

chair and expert commentary from four-time Grand Slam champion JIM 

COURIER and former British No.1 SAM SMITH. 

Joining them in the Channel 7 commentary box will be the most successful 

doubles player in men’s tennis history TODD WOODBRIDGE, Gael Monfils’ 

coach ROGER RASHEED, HENRI LECONTE, NICOLE BRADTKE, RENNAE 

STUBBS, SANDY ROBERTS, JOHN FITZGERALD, ALLAN STONE, PETER 

DONEGAN and KERRYN PRATT.

ROAD TO THE AUSTRALIAN OPEN 2011 

BRISBANE INTERNATIONAL 

WHEN: January 2 – 9, 2011 

WHERE: Queensland Tennis Centre, Brisbane 

HOST: Johanna Griggs 

COMMENTATORS: John Fitzgerald, Todd Woodbridge, Roger Rasheed, Sam 

Smith and Rennae Stubbs 

DESCRIPTION: 

Australia’s No.1 player, Samantha Stosur, and 2010 men’s singles champion 

Andy Roddick will headline the Brisbane International in 2011 and for the third 

year in a row Marcos Baghdatis will start his Australian Open preparation in 

Brisbane. 

Other players heading to Brisbane for the Brisbane International 2011 are world 

number nine Fernando Verdasco, Nadia Petrova, Daniela Hantuchova, Robin 

Soderling, Richard Gasquet and Mardy Fish. 

Brisbane International dates and telecast times 

MONDAY JANUARY 3 

– 11.30am – 5pm LIVE in Sydney and Melbourne 

– 10.30am – 4pm LIVE in Brisbane 

– 11am – 4.30pm LIVE in Adelaide 

– 8.30am – 2pm LIVE in Perth 

TUESDAY JANUARY 4 





WEDNESDAY JANUARY 5 (DAY SESSION) 





WEDNESDAY JANUARY 5 (NIGHT SESSION) 

– 10.30pm – 12.30am in Sydney and Melbourne 

– 10.30pm – 12.30am in Brisbane 

– 10.30pm – 12.30am in Adelaide 

– 10.30pm – 12.30am in Perth 

THURSDAY JANUARY 6 (DAY SESSION) 




– 8.30am – 2pm LIVE in Perth


Brisbane International dates and telecast times 

THURSDAY JANUARY 6 (NIGHT SESSION) 




– 10.30pm – 12.30am in Perth 

FRIDAY JANUARY 7 (DAY SESSION) 

– 12pm – 5pm LIVE in Sydney and Melbourne 

– 11am– 4pm LIVE in Brisbane 

– 11.30am – 4.30pm LIVE in Adelaide 

– 9am – 2pm LIVE in Perth 

FRIDAY JANUARY 7 (NIGHT SESSION) 




– 10.30pm – 12.30am in Perth 

SATURDAY JANUARY 8 (DAY SESSION) 


– 12pm– 4pm LIVE in Brisbane 

– 12.30pm – 4.30pm LIVE in Adelaide 


SATURDAY JANUARY 8 (NIGHT SESSION) 

– 9.30pm – 11.30pm in Sydney and Melbourne 

– 9.30pm – 11.30pm in Brisbane 

– 9.30pm – 11.30pm in Adelaide 

– 9.30pm – 11.30pm in Perth 

SUNDAY JANUARY 9 

– 12pm – COP LIVE in Sydney and Melbourne 

– 11am – COP LIVE in Brisbane 

– 11.30am – COP LIVE in Adelaide 

– 9am – COP LIVE in Perth


MEDIBANK INTERNATIONAL 


WHERE: Sydney Olympic Park, Sydney 

DAY (AND MEN’S FINAL) HOST: Johanna Griggs 

NIGHT HOST: Todd Woodbridge 

COMMENTATORS: Kerryn Pratt, Sam Smith, Allan Stone, Garry Wilkinson and 

Todd Woodbridge 

DESCRIPTION: 

Grand Slam champions Kim Clijsters, Ana Ivanovic and Juan Martin Del Potro, 

along with defending champion Marcos Baghdatis and Australia’s No.1 player, 

Samantha Stosur, will all headline January’s Medibank International Sydney. 

This event has grown since 1885 to be one of a handful of tournaments on the 

entire circuit that highlights the top men and women competing in the same 

week. Played at one of the world’s best tennis facilities at Sydney Olympic Park, 

past champions have included Rod Laver, John Newcombe, Pete Sampras, 

Margaret Court, Evonne Goolagong Cawley, Martina Navratilova and Chris Evert. 

Medibank International Sydney dates and telecast times 

SUNDAY JANUARY 9 

– End of BRIS INTL – 5pm LIVE in Sydney and Melbourne 

– End of BRIS INTL – 4pm LIVE in Brisbane 

– End of BRIS INTL – 4.30pm LIVE in Adelaide 

– End of BRIS INTL – 2pm LIVE in Perth 

MONDAY JANUARY 10 

– 11am – 5pm LIVE in Sydney and Melbourne 

– 10am – 4pm LIVE in Brisbane 



TUESDAY JANUARY 11 






– End of AAMI – 5pm LIVE in Sydney and Melbourne 

– End of AAMI – 4pm LIVE in Brisbane 

– End of AAMI – 4.30pm LIVE in Adelaide 

– End of AAMI – 2pm LIVE in Perth


Medibank International Sydney dates and telecast times 





– 10.30pm – 12.30am in Perth 





– End of AAMI – 2pm LIVE in Perth 





– 10.30pm – 12.30am in Perth 





– End of AAMI – 2pm LIVE in Perth 





– 9.30pm – 11.30pm in Perth 

SATURDAY JANUARY 15 




– 7.30pm – 9.30pm in Perth


AAMI KOOYONG CLASSIC 


WHERE: Kooyong, Melbourne 

HOST: Chris Dittmar 

COMMENTATORS: Peter Donegan, John Fitzgerald and Roger Rasheed 

DESCRIPTION: 

This is a fan-friendly “round robin” type event featuring eight of the world’s best 

tennis players. Played over four days, just before the Open, it’s traditionally a 

hard-fought competition especially due to the high calibre of players. 

Former world No. 1 and Australia’s top-ranked player Lleyton Hewitt headlines 

the AAMI Kooyong Classic in 2010. Leading the overseas brigade, and also 

making his first appearance, will be Czech TOMAS BERDYCH. Russian, Mikhail 

Youzhny, current AAMI Classic champion Fernando Verdasco, Frenchman Jo- 

Wilfried Tsonga and Gael Monfils make up another outstanding draw at Kooyong. 

AAMI Kooyong Classic dates and telecast times 

WEDNESDAY JANUARY 12 

– 11am –COP LIVE in Sydney and Melbourne 

– 10am – COP Two LIVE in Brisbane 

– 10.30am – COP Two LIVE in Adelaide 

– 8am – COP LIVE in Perth 

THURSDAY JANUARY 13 

– 11am – COP LIVE in Sydney and Melbourne 



– 8am – COP Two LIVE in Perth 


– 11am – COP LIVE in Sydney and Melbourne 



– 8am – COP LIVE in Perth 





– 11.30pm – 1.30am in Perth 



– 12pm – 4pm LIVE in Brisbane 


– 10am – 2pm LIVE in Perth

Australian Open 2011 dates and telecast times 

MONDAY JANUARY 17 (DAY SESSION) 





MONDAY JANUARY 17 (NIGHT SESSION) 

– 7pm – 12.30am (COP) LIVE in Sydney and Melbourne 

– 7pm – 12.30am (COP) in Brisbane 

– 7pm – 12.30am (COP) in Adelaide 

– 7pm – 12.30am (COP) in Perth 

TUESDAY JANUARY 18 (DAY SESSION) 





TUESDAY JANUARY 18 (NIGHT SESSION) 
























– 7pm – 12.30am (COP) in Perth












SATURDAY JANUARY 22 (DAY SESSION) 





SATURDAY JANUARY 22 (NIGHT SESSION) 

– 6.30pm – 12.30am (COP) LIVE in Sydney and Melbourne 

– 6.30pm – 12.30am (COP) in Brisbane 

– 6.30pm – 12.30am (COP) in Adelaide 

– 6.30pm – 12.30am (COP) in Perth 

SUNDAY JANUARY 23 (DAY SESSION) 





SUNDAY JANUARY 23 (NIGHT SESSION) 





MONDAY JANUARY 24 (DAY SESSION) 





MONDAY JANUARY 24 (NIGHT SESSION) 




– 7.30pm – 12.30am (COP) in Perth


TUESDAY JANUARY 25 (DAY SESSION) 





TUESDAY JANUARY 25 (NIGHT SESSION) 
























– 7.30pm – 12.30am (COP) in Perth






– 12pm – 3pm LIVE in Perth 


– 7.30pm – 9.30pm LIVE in Sydney and Melbourne 



– 7.30pm – 9.30pm in Perth 



– 6.30pm – 9.30pm LIVE in Brisbane 

– 6.30pm – 10pm LIVE in Adelaide 

– 6.30pm – 9.30pm in Perth 

SUNDAY JANUARY 30 (DAY SESSION) 




– 1pm – 3pm LIVE in Perth 

SUNDAY JANUARY 30 (NIGHT SESSION) 


– 6.30pm – 9.30pm LIVE in Brisbane 

– 6.30pm – 10pm LIVE in Adelaide 

– 6.30pm – 9.30pm in Perth

BRUCE MCAVANEY 

COMMENTATOR 

- AUSTRALIAN OPEN 

In 2011 Bruce steps back into the commentary box after an extended stint of 

hosting at the Australian Open. 

When asked who will be in the mix to win the men’s title Bruce says since Safin 

beat Hewitt in the ’05 Final at Melbourne Park, Federer and Nadal have won 21 

of the last 23 Grand Slam titles between them. 

“Their rivalry is unparalleled in world sport. What makes this Open even more 

intriguing is Nadal’s opportunity to win a fourth consecutive major, something not 

even Federer has achieved. There are three tiers of favourites: firstly, Nadal and 

Federer, then Murray and Djokovic and then the third group, which includes 

Soderling, Berdych, Cilic and Del Potro and Tsonga, but the latter two depend on 

their ability to be fully fit after injuries.” 

On the women’s side of the draw Bruce feels the absence of Serena Williams will 

make a big difference. 

“She’s won five of the last seven Australian Opens she’s contested. Unlike the 

men, this is very open. In 2010, there were 37 different winners on the tour but 

only two women won more than two tournaments. They were Wozniacki with six, 

and Clijsters with five. But, significantly, Clijsters won a major, and in doing so, 

extended her remarkable record at the US Open. 

“With a similar surface in Melbourne, she deserves to be favourite, just in front of 

Wozniacki, the world No. 1, but just a single major final and Henin, who’s made 

the final in three of her last four attempts at the Aussie Open in Melbourne, but 

whose 2010 season was derailed by injury after such a promising comeback. 

“The second group with a genuine chance are headed by the Russians 

Sharapova and Zvonareva, and our own Sam Stosur. I’m leaving out Venus and 

the Serbians and a couple of other Russians but it’s a tough title to predict.” 

When it comes to sports broadcasting in Australia, Bruce has no equal. No one 

matches his depth of knowledge, dedication to the job or extensive preparation. 

Dubbed the “mastercaster”, he has hosted and commentated almost every major 

sporting event in Australia including the AFL Grand Final, Brownlow Medal, 

Melbourne Cup, Bathurst 1000, Australian Open tennis, Australian Masters Golf, 

Bledisloe Cup and Tri-Nations Rugby, and every Olympic Games since 1980.

JOHANNA GRIGGS 

HOST 


- BRISBANE INTERNATIONAL 

- MEDIABANK INTERNATIONAL 

Johanna Griggs is a genuine sports fanatic. Her love of tennis makes the 

Australian Open for her the best fortnight of sport in Australia each year and 

every year new favourite memories are added to her list. 

“Last year I loved the interview Jim and I got with Roger Federer after his win. 

Then to see how gracious he was with all of his fans who waited patiently for him 

to finish his media commitments. I was blown away by what a class act he is and 

always has been. It was a nice way to end our 2010 coverage.” 

When it comes to 2011 winners, on the women’s side of the draw Johanna sees 

the usual suspects going deep into the second week, including Venus Williams, 

Kim Clisters, Dinara Safina, Svetlana Kuznetsova, Caroline Wozniacki and Sam 

Stosur 

“In fact I’d love to see Sam Stosur break through for her first Australian Open win 

as she is just such a lovely lady and it would be fabulous for her to win at home.” 

“As for a winner on the men’s side, I’m favouring Rafa – the current No. 1. We 

know he enjoys playing at Melbourne Park and as long as he remains injury free 

between now and the end of 2010… and starts back fresh in 2011, I’d be rapt to 

see him win again.” 

Johanna’s passion for sport is only natural. The former world-ranked backstroker 

was just 16 when selected for the Auckland Games, where she won bronze in the 

100m backstroke. She was also the first Australian female swimmer to break the 

30 second barrier for the 50m backstroke. After retiring from swimming in May 

1993, Johanna joined Seven. Johanna reported for shows such as Sportsworld 

and Sydney Weekender and hosted The AFL Half Time Show. She went on to 

become Seven’s first female (and youngest ever) presenter of the weekend 

sports news. 

Johanna has co-hosted a number of sporting events such as Olympic Sunrise 

during the Sydney Olympics, the Medibank International, the Australian Open 

tennis, the 2002 Salt Lake Winter Olympics, the 2004 Athens Olympics, 2006 

Torino Olympics, 2008 Beijing Olympics as well as hosting the shows 

Sportsworld, Auction Squad and most recently, the top-rating Better Homes and 

Gardens. Johanna is also the weekend sport presenter for Seven News in 

Sydney.

MATT WHITE 

HOST 


“I love the fact that the global tennis year starts on our doorstop. This event is 

truly world class but still uniquely Australian. The players love it, the fans love it - 

and I love working on it,” says Matt White. 

When asked for his favourite Australian Open memories Matt says: 

“On-air, working side-by-side with the incredible Jim Courier - you never really 

know what he's going to say!” 

“And standing courtside in 2010 when the greatest players in the world were 

putting on a show on Rod Laver Arena for the Haiti Earthquake fundraiser - great 

tennis, a great cause and great fun.” 

And in 2011 Matt still believes it’s about Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal and 

then the rest. 

“The top players always lift at the Australian Open so I can't see a surprise 

winner from outside the Top 5 in the men's. There'll be some twists and turns 

along the way, but Rafael Nadal will clearly be the one to beat.” 

For the women, Matthew usually finds it impossible to look past the Williams 

sisters, but with Serena out with injury the draw may open up a little. 

“Being the first Grand Slam of the year, it's always wise to look at the top of the 

rankings. Caroline Wozniaki and Kim Clijsters will go deep into the second week, 

but I have a feeling 2011 may be Sam Stosur's year. Sam is due to win a major 

soon - and the Australian Open is the perfect fit.” 

Matthew’s career in journalism began as a reporter at The Manly Daily, which led 

to his start in broadcast journalism, presenting the news on NEWFM in 

Newcastle. Matthew’s love of sport and natural ability in front of the camera 

landed him the role of weekend sports presenter with NBN Newcastle. 

He later became the first host of Channel Ten’s sports program Sports Tonight. 

Matthew also has extensive experience in anchoring and commentating major 

sports events and telecasts such as the V8 Supercars, Tri-Nations and Bledisloe 

Cup Rugby, Formula One Motor Racing, the Melbourne Cup, the Uncle Toby’s 

IronMan Series, US Open Golf tournaments, AFL Grand Finals, the 2004 Athens 

Olympics, 2006 Torino Olympics and 2008 Beijing Olympics. Matt is also the host 

of the east coast edition of Today Tonight.

HAMISH McLACHLAN 

HOST 


Hamish McLachlan comes from a strong sporting background with management 

and broadcast experience on a national and international level with sports 

including AFL, Olympics, tennis and cricket. 

Over the past three years Hamish has hosted Channel 7’s AFL Game Day 

alongside some of the biggest names in the game including Leigh Matthews, 

Matthew Richardson and Tim Watson. 

Hamish has also featured in Channel 7’s Melbourne Cup Carnival racing 

coverage and provided commentary at the Australian Open tennis. 

A lover of sport since childhood tennis was always high on high on the agenda 

through his teen years before being riddled with 10 knee operations. 

“It is a lonely place a tennis court. There is now where to hide. It is just you. No 

trainer in the corner, no team mate, no coach, no one in your ear or yelling out of 

a car to you as you ride. It is you, and your opponent,” says Hamish. 

“I reckon tennis is the ultimate gladiator sport. The Australian Open brings those 

players to us here in Melbourne and allows us 14 days to watch the very best in 

the world from three feet away, to sort out who can win seven matches in a row. 

“In Raffa and Roger we have two Gods of the sport. You need to be aware that 

we have been treated for the past five years or so and are still being served up 

one of the world’s greatest ever sporting rivalries that will be discussed for 

generations to come. 

“They are both hitting the ball as well as they ever have – the ATP Final in 

London another sensational encounter, they are both fit, and as a result of having 

each other to challenge themselves, they are both seemingly as hungry as they 

have ever been to win Grand Slams. I think Roger will win it. I say that without 

confidence because with Raffa about, it is never an easy essay and he is 

shooting for the “Raffa Slam”. 

On the women’s side Hamish fancies Kim Clijsters chances: 

“I will go with Kim to win here again and join Roger to make it a ‘Mums and Dads 

Slam’”.

SANDY ROBERTS 

COMMENTATOR 


Sandy is one of Australia’s most successful sportscasters, working across many 

sports for Channel 7 for the past 37 years. Equally at home on the court or in the 

studio, Sandy is once again looking forward to setting up courtside for the 

Australian Open. 

Commenting on the special place the Australian Open holds on the international 

tennis scene Sandy says: 

“It’s the first Grand Slam of the year so it tends to throw in some surprising 

results. But the bottom line is we are seeing the very best working on the craft 

they have perfected.” 

On the court Sandy makes a bold prediction that will please the British and steers 

away from the Federer and Nadal predictions of most pundits. 

“Andy Murray will finally break through with a four set win over Andy Roddick. 

“And in the women’s tournament, Kim Clijsters will beat Sam Stosur in three, now 

there’s a ratings winner.” 

Like many people in sports, Sandy has taken a circuitous road to the top of his 

profession. 

He spent his childhood on a sheep farm in South Australia before working in 

Adelaide, Perth, Bendigo and overseas as he learned the media trade. He finally 

settled in Melbourne, joining Seven as a presenter, sports analyst, host and 

commentator. He currently presents sport for Seven News in Victoria on 

weekdays. 

Today, Sandy has an enviable reputation for being one of Australia’s most 

knowledgeable and respected industry professionals. When he isn’t at the world’s 

largest sporting events, he escapes back to his farm just outside Melbourne. 

Sandy has vast experience at major sports events. He has been involved in 

every Olympic Games since Moscow in 1980, most recently as one of Seven’s 

hosts for the Beijing Olympics in August 2008. Sandy has also commentated on 

more than 700 AFL games, countless Australian Open tennis tournaments, major 

golf tournaments such as the Masters and PGA and other top events around the 

world.

JIM COURIER 

COMMENTATOR 


Four-time Grand Slam champion Jim Courier’s name is synonymous with the 

Australian Open and Melbourne Park. From his unique celebratory jump in the 

Yarra River after winning his two titles and his always entertaining and 

informative expert analysis for Channel 7. 

“The memories I have from my time playing in the AO as well as now the years of 

working with Channel 7 all blend together to make a wonderful mixture of 

experiences in Melbourne. Coming to Melbourne is such a fantastic way to start 

each year. It does get my year ‘off on the good foot’ as we say,” explains Jim. 

Fans and viewers can again look forward to Jim’s brash and bold after-match 

player interviews. 

“I hope I can surprise the viewers and players with some new and different postmatch 

questions that can create some waves. That’s always a big challenge and 

a highlight for me.” 

On the court, Jim believes Nadal going for his fourth major in a row makes the 

men’s event extra special this year. 

“It’s been a long time since that’s happened in the men’s game so there’s extra 

motivation for him and I would also think extra motivation for Roger to try to 

prevent it. Those are the favorites as usual.” 

On the women’s side Jim sees health as a big factor with Serena Williams now 

out of the tournament. 

“The Belgians Clijsters and Henin could be contenders. Wozniacki is No. 1 in the 

world, but I wouldn’t put her in the favorite position just yet.” 

Jim won 23 career titles, including two Australian Opens (1992, 1993) and two 

French Opens (1991, 1992). He was also the runner-up at the US Open (1991), 

the French Open (1993) and Wimbledon (1993) and spent a total of 58 weeks as 

the top-ranked player in the world, having first ascended there aged 21 in 1992. 

Jim began his television career in the US in 2001 as an analyst during TNT and 

CNN/Sports Illustrated’s coverage of Wimbledon. He also served as an analyst 

for NBC Sports’ coverage of the 2004 Athens Olympics and has been a member 

of the Channel 7 commentary team at the Australian Open since 2005.

HENRI LECONTE 

COMMENTATOR 


After a stunning debut in the Australian Open commentary box last year as a 

special guest, Leconte returns in 2011 to entertain audiences with his flair and 

energy. 

Leconte turned orthodox commentary on its head last year as he helped 

audiences live the big moments in the match between France's Jo-Wilfried 

Tsonga and Spain's Nicolas Almagro. 

Asked what viewers can expect from him in 2011, Henri says with tongue in 

cheek: 

“You will see my friend. You never know with me. Of course I will be professional 

as always.” 

Clearly Australia holds a special place in Henri’s heart and he even seems to be 

practising the local lingo. 

“I love coming to Australia. I feel like home mate. The contact with all you guys is 

just great, the atmosphere I love it. Thanks to you all. 

“I have a lot of good memories in Australia. One of them is when I play the finale 

in Sydney against Kelly Everden. At that time I had to win to qualify for the 

Masters in New York and I did. During that match the ground keeper’s dog came 

on court and took one ball from the net after I missed my first serve. I was 

running him all over the court.” 

When it comes to picking the 2011 Australian Open winners Henri says: 

“I really think that Rafael Nadal is going to do the best he can to win the Open, 

because he will be the one to make for the first time to win all four Grand Chelem 

after Rod Laver. Of course not on the same year, but that will be a great 

achievement. 

“Roger and Rafael for me are both the best players in a world. With different 

game and personality. I have a lot of respect for them. Great Champions on court 

and outside.”

HENRI LECONTE (continued) 

COMMENTATOR 


Henri believes the women’s tournament is very open. 

“Everybody has a chance to win the open at the moment. Kim Clijsters really has 

the potential and the power to win. What she did winning back to back US Opens 

is a great effort (like Pat Rafter my friend) and the Masters in Doha. We have 

also Wozniacki who has a great potential to do it there too. 

“I am also a great fan of Samantha Stosur I really love the way she is playing. If 

she can go one more step to win Grand Chelem. She made a finale already in 

Paris, why not in Melbourne at home. Come on Australia” 

Leconte first came to the tennis world's attention as an outstanding junior player 

who won the French Open junior title in 1981. He turned professional that year 

and won his first career doubles title at Bologna, and his first top-level singles title 

the following year, 1982, in Stockholm. Leconte played in the Davis Cup final for 

the first time in 1982, when France was defeated 4–1 by the United States. 

The peak of his career came in the mid to late 1980s when in 1986 he reached 

two Grand Slam singles semi-finals at the French Open and Wimbledon, and 

attained his career-high singles ranking of World No. 5. In 1988, Leconte reached 

the men's singles final at the French Open, going down to two-time champion 

Mats Wilander in straight sets 7–5, 6–2, 6–1. 

Leconte retired from the professional tour in 1996, having won a total of nine 

career singles titles and ten doubles titles. 

In 2005 he participated in La Ferme Célébrités season 2, a game of reality TV. In 

2007, his son Maxime also participated in a game of reality TV, Secret Story, the 

French version of Big Brother.

TODD WOODBRIDGE 

HOST 

- MEDIBANK INTERNATIONAL 

COMMENTATOR 




Todd is fast earning a reputation as a forthright commentator. 2011 is his sixth 

year as part of Seven’s on-air team for the summer of tennis and he thinks it’s 

going to be especially interesting. 

Todd believes the rivalry between Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal will hit its 

peak in 2011. 

“These two have still dominated the men's game although Djokovic and Murray 

have stood out in their efforts to break the game up. 

“However Paul Annacone the former coach of Pete Sampras has started to make 

inroads with Federer’s game and the noticeable aggression in the ATP tour 

championship final sends a sound message that Federer is back on top of his 

game and in my mind favorite for another Open title.” 

On the women’s side, Todd says Kim Clijsters is far and away the best women's 

player in the world, with her power and movement always being her strength. 

“Since returning to the game after motherhood and the loss of her father to 

cancer, she has matured and the confidence in her own ability is unstoppable. 

“It is the first time at the AO that we can really say that Sam Stosur is a 

contender, when she is on she can beat anyone in the world and what a party if 

she could make the breakthrough at home.” 

Todd started playing doubles with Mark Woodforde in 1990. Together, “The 

Woodies” won all the Grand Slams as well as the Olympic Games gold medal in 

Atlanta in 1996 and the silver medal at the Sydney Olympics in 2000. When they 

won the French Open in 2000, the Woodies broke the record of 57 career 

doubles titles held by Peter Fleming and John McEnroe and Bob Hewitt and Frew 

McMillan. All up, the pair won 61 career doubles titles, making them the most 

successful doubles team in men’s tennis history.

ROGER RASHEED 

COMMENTATOR 



Roger’s impressively varied career so far means he has seen the best of world 

tennis from all angles, especially when it comes to the Australian Open. 

“As the first tournament of the year and the first Grand Slam there’s a lot of 

mystique about it as there’s no real form to go on, as a lot of players have had 

breaks or played in different exhibitions,” says Roger. 

Examining the men’s draw Roger concurs with most on the two standouts, but 

sees other players challenging. 

“Clearly Roger and Raffa have been the two dominant forces in Grand Slams 

over the last few years. Then there’s a group of guys who are capable of going 

into the second week including the player I coach Gael Monfils, as well as 

Murray, Djokovic and Soderling who has now played in two French Open finals. 

“The women’s is interesting because normally I would say Serena because she’s 

been so dominant. Now I’d have to go with Kim Clijsters as my number one 

choice, but if Sam Stosur can get herself into the second weekend and get the 

Aussie crowd behind her on Rod Laver Arena she’d be my second pick.” 

“It’s our home Grand Slam and I remember coaching Lleyton at the Australian 

Open in 2005 and just the enormity of it made it special.” 

As a player, Roger was 16 when he became the youngest player to qualify for the 

men’s singles in his home Grand Slam. It took 10 years for a player to take this 

mantle, a teenager by the name Lleyton Hewitt, who Roger would go on to 

coach. Under Roger, Lleyton rose from world No.19 to No.2, and played in two 

Grand Slam finals, including the memorable epic performances that led to a 

brave loss in the final of the 2005 Australian Open against Marat Safin. Roger 

also coached the Australian Davis Cup team in 2006. 

In addition to his coaching roles, Roger became a voice of authority on radio and 

TV, first hosting a sports program on Adelaide radio station FIVEaa and covering 

Wimbledon for BBC Radio. Now he is an integral part of Seven’s commentary 

team. 

And as the current coach of French former world No.1 junior Monfils, Roger splits 

his time between Adelaide and Paris.

NICOLE BRADTKE 

COMMENTATOR 


As a veteran on the Australian women’s tennis scene, Nicole is always effusive 

about the tennis stories that come out of the Australian Open. 

“As the first Grand Slam of the year and the heat, you always get an unknown 

player who bursts on to the scene as a new star on the horizon at the Aussie 

Open”, says Nicole. 

She is hoping for some local success in this year’s tournament. 

“I can see Kim Clijsters meeting our own Sam Stosur in the women’s final. Sam 

will be well prepared, having played lead-up tournaments in Brisbane and 

Sydney, while many of the other women will be playing in Hong Kong and may 

be under prepared and find it difficult to adjust to our weather,” 

After successfully predicting Roger Federer to win last year’s men’s title, Nicole 

says Rafael Nadal will beat Andy Murray in this year’s final. 

Nicole hit her first ball at the age of five and started playing professionally at 15. 

She won three singles and nine doubles titles with career highlights including a 

semi-final appearance at the 1988 French Open and a bronze medal with Rachel 

McQuillan at the 1992 Olympics. She also won two mixed-doubles Grand Slams 

with Mark Woodforde – the 1992 US Open and 1993 Australian Open. 

Bradtke reached the top 30 in early 1989, before making further fourth rounds at 

the 1989 Australian Open and the 1990 French Open and winning her first title at 

home in Brisbane in 1992. 

She won her second tour title in Kuala Lumpur in 1993 and reached the fourth 

round of the Australian Open. She also earned her biggest career victory during 

that year, beating World No. 1 Steffi Graf in a Fed Cup tie. Bradtke later helped 

Australia to reach the final, where they lost to the Spanish team. 

Nicole represented Australia in the Federation Cup for eight years from ‘88 to ‘95, 

when she took over as coach. Since retiring, Nicole has coached some of 

Australia’s most promising female players, including Alicia Molik and Sam Stosur.

KERRYN PRATT 

COMMENTATOR 



The Australian Open is special to Kerryn as the international tennis family gets 

together on our home soil with the excitement of the start of a new season. 

“There’s just that feeling of anticipation, wondering who will step up in the new 

year and play well, what changes there will be and who will make the big 

improvements,” says Kerryn. 

“One of my favourite moments as a commentator is Justine Henin’s first victory 

over Lindsay Davenport in the 2003 fourth round. I called it with John McEnroe 

who doesn’t call many womens’ matches, but obviously opted for this one as he 

thought Lindsay would win quickly and he wanted to get to a Kostya Tszyu fight. 

“It was one of the longest matches you could get, and Justine surprised Lindsay 

(and John) winning an epic 9-7 in the third. Mac missed the boxing, but didn’t 

mind as he’d witnessed and called a great match, one of the most significant in 

Justine’s career.” 

Kerryn says the womens’ field is wide open, with several players capable of 

stepping up and challenging for the title, especially with Serena’s absence. 

“Kim Clijsters will be keen and ready to improve on last year’s debacle here 

against Petrova. Sam Stosur has all the ingredients for a maiden Grand Slam 

win, Justine Henin returns from a long injury break and factor in a resurgent Ana 

Ivanovic. 

“I’m going with Kim Clijsters, who has the experience and the confidence to win, 

with Stosur my other favourite, as she’s ready to take the next step in her journey 

to the top of the game. The conditions should suit her perfectly, but the main 

danger is the weight of expectation at her home slam. I also like Henin, Ivanovic 

and Azarenka to be around at finals time.” 

Kerryn is an accomplished former Australian tennis player. A leading junior 

player, she went on to make the last 16 in the Australian Open singles, was a 

semi-finalist in the Australian Open doubles and was a finalist in the Queensland 

Open singles and won the Australian Hardcourt doubles. 

She has since spent 17 years as a TV sports journalist, producer and tennis 

commentator for Grand Slams and other major events. She’s also been a 

courtside TV host and interviewer at the Masters Cup tennis and commentated 

tennis, badminton and softball for Seven at the Athens and Beijing Olympics.

JOHN FITZGERALD 

COMMENTATOR 


- AAMI KOOYONG CLASSIC 


This will be John’s 15th year providing expert commentary for Channel 7’s 

summer of tennis. His memories of the Australian Open stretch back to Kooyong 

where he won a doubles title in 1982. 

“It’s our home-grown Slam and it keeps getting bigger and better every year. It 

truly is a world-class event in anyone’s language,” 

John favours Nadal to take the title in 2011. 

“I like him over a long five set match, but I am the world’s biggest Roger Federer 

fan. These are the two best players going around by a fair way. 

“When you look at the next group of players, Murray hasn’t won a major yet, but 

could win three or four once he breaks through and Djokovic has only won one. 

It’ll just depend if Roger can hang on long enough,” says John. 

Clijsters is John’s tip for the women’s title. 

“She hasn’t won outside the US yet but it’s a similar surface, so she’ll be near 

favourite with Serana out of the tournament, but not a short-priced favourite. And 

Wozniacki hasn’t broken through yet,” 

As a player, his greatest career highlights came during the 11 years he 

represented Australia in the Davis Cup. During this time he well and truly made 

his mark on Australian tennis and was an integral part of the team. He played 

three finals and played a major role in defeating Sweden in both the 1983 and 

1986 finals at Kooyong. 

John also held the No.1 ranking in Australia, represented his country in two 

Olympics (Seoul and Barcelona), won six ATP Tour singles titles, 30 ATP Tour 

doubles titles (including seven Grand Slam titles) and received the Order of 

Australia Medal in 1993 for services to tennis. 

In 2001, John became only the fourth Australian Davis Cup captain in the past 60 

years. He’s so far taken the team to two finals.

ALLAN STONE 

COMMENTATOR 



- AAMI CLASSIC 

Former Australian Open doubles champion Allan Stone has been commentating 

tennis on Channel 7 for more than 30 years and has attended 50 out of the last 

51 Australian Opens as a player or commentator. 

When asked to find a winner for the men’s 2011 Australian Open, Allan finds it 

hard to look past Nadal, Federer and Djokovic. 

“I nominate Nadal to win as he’s the world No. 1 and the mentally strongest 

player on tour.” 

Looking at the women’s side of the draw, Allan is hoping the home-grown girl can 

put on a top performance for the Australian crowd. 

“Clijsters, Stosur and Wozniacki will all be in the mix to win the women’s title, but 

it will be Stosur to win. She’s still improving and much more consistent, she’ll 

benefit from better preparation here in Australia leading up to the Open and will 

get huge crowd support.” 

A skilled recreational tennis player throughout his school days, Allan decided to 

take the game seriously at university and after two years of a University Of 

Melbourne commerce degree, he hit the international circuit. 

During his 16 years touring the world, Allan notched up 11 doubles titles – 

including the 1968 and 1977 Australian Open – represented Australia in four 

Davis Cup campaigns and reached both the doubles and mixed doubles at 

Wimbledon in 1975. 

As he neared the end of his playing career, Allan was invited to be a guest 

commentator by Channel 7. After his retirement, he became a permanent 

member of the network’s team and has commentated at most major tennis 

events. 

As well as his involvement in Seven’s tennis coverage, Allan has been Head 

Tennis Coach at the Victorian Institute of Sport (1996–2000), coach at the 

National Training Centre in Melbourne Park, Vice President of the Australian 

Davis Cup Foundation and a selector for the Australian Davis Cup and Olympic 

teams.

ALICIA MOLIK 

COMMENTATOR 


Outside her playing duties in 2011, Alicia looks forward to joining Channel 7’s 

coverage and revelling in the Australian Open atmosphere. 

“Personally I love staying up to 2am to watch the finish of a gruelling match. I’ll 

practice in the morning, play in the afternoon, and then watch some more all 

evening, even I am addicted to the coverage,” says Alicia. 

“The Aussie Open is special to me because it is in my own backyard. Many 

family members and friends travel down or up for it, it’s the complete festival. The 

perfect night out is sitting in Rod Laver Arena taking in all the action.” 

On the court Alicia predicts a Federer and Stosur double. 

“I think The Fed will win the mens’. Sam Stosur is capable and has the game to 

hold the womens’ trophy. Only fit players win the Australian Open particularly 

during our testing summer, and there are no two better examples.” 

Alicia finds it hard to split three favourite memories from the Asia/Pacific Grand 

Slam. 

“My favourite memory of the Australian Open was Jim Courier taking a dive in the 

Yarra River. Prince William watched Casey Dellacqua’s match last year so that 

was pretty special. Personally, I’ll never forget beating Venus Williams in a Friday 

night match.” 

Alicia has reached a career high singles rank of world No. 8 and also won a 

bronze medal for Australia at the 2004 Athens Olympics beating then world No. 3 

Anastasia Myskina of Russia in straight sets 6-3 6-4. 

Molik also reached a career high doubles ranking of No. 6, and won two grand 

slam doubles titles, at the Australian Open in 2005 with partner Svetlana 

Kuznetsova. and the French Open in 2007. She retired from the sport in 

September 2008, however, announced a comeback in 2009. 

She has also won the Zurich Open, a Tier I tournament, defeating Maria 

Sharapova in the final.

SAM SMITH 

COMMENTATOR 




Great Britain’s Sam Smith has turned an impressive career as a player into an 

outstanding one as a broadcaster. 

A former No. 1 British women’s singles player, Sam has been a member of the 

Eurosport, Sky Sports, BBC Radio and BBC TV tennis commentary teams. 

In 2011, she joins the Channel Seven summer of tennis team for the third time at 

the Brisbane, Medibank International and Australian Open tournaments. 

The Australian Open has fond memories for Sam: 

“The Australian Open is personally special as I went to Australia for the first time 

as a 15 year old in 1988 to play juniors and nearly qualified for the Australian 

Open. It was the first year the AO was held at Melbourne Park and it was the 

best trip I'd ever been a part of to that date and it made me want to try to become 

a pro player.” 

When it comes to commentary Sam has the following philosophy: 

“The most important thought I always have in the front of my mind when 

commentating is that the tennis on the court is more important than what's 

happening in the commentary box. To that end I'll try to keep the commentary 

entertaining, interesting and informative, if possible, and not spoil the viewers’ 

enjoyment of the match.” 

On the court Sam backs fellow Brit Andy Murray, believing that if he can play as 

well as last year, he's ready to win a Slam. While on the women’s side Sam says 

Stosur, Wozniacki and Zvonareva will all be in the mix, but picks Clijsters as the 

winner if she’s fit and healthy. 

In her playing days just some of her achievements included reaching the fourth 

round at Wimbledon in 1998 where she picked up an ankle injury that meant two 

operations and four months in plaster. She won the ITF tournaments at 

Nottingham in 1995 (singles and doubles) and Frinton-on-Sea in 2000. She 

represented Great Britain in the Federation Cup and European Cup in 1991 and 

1996–1999. She was unbeaten in the five singles matches in the 1997 

Federation Cup.

RENNAE STUBBS 

COMMENTATOR 




Rennae Stubbs has won several Grand Slam doubles titles and represented 

Australia at three successive Olympic Games, but holds the Australian Open 

dear after her triumphant year in 2000. 

“Obviously for me when I won my first grand slam doubles title and then two days 

later won the mixed doubles title in front of my family and friends. It was an 

unforgettable two weeks. 

“It’s a relaxed atmosphere, the crowd support is terrific and it’s home.” 

When asked about who will be in the mix to win the women’s title in 2011, 

Rennae offers this: 

“I have to put Kim Clijsters at the top of the list. With no Serena in the draw, Kim 

is the favorite. She will have crowd support and after last year, she will be looking 

to redeem herself. 

“As for fan support, Sam Stosur is very dangerous too and I believe if the court is 

a little slower, Sam is a true chance. Look for Wozniaki too. She will be hungry 

after 2010 for her first slam and the Australian Open might be the one.” 

Rennae concurs with most pundits that Federer and Nadal are the two to beat 

but says: 

“I would throw in a Murray as an outsider, but I can't see one of the two big boys 

not being there at the end of the two weeks.” 

She has recorded more double triumphs than any other Australian woman—59 

from 1992 to the conclusion of the 2007 WTA Tour—enjoying success with 11 

different partners. She also won two mixed doubles Grand Slam titles with male 

partners. In 2001, Stubbs won the season-ending WTA Championships with 

regular partner Lisa Raymond and the pair were named ITF World Champions.

NEIL KEARNEY 

REPORTER 


A champion spinner of truly outstanding yarns for Seven at the Olympics, 

Commonwealth Games and almost every other sporting event Australians hold 

dear, it’s only fitting Neil Kearney reports at the Grand Slam of Asia/Pacific. 

“It's the high point of Melbourne's summer, a friendly time for families and 

visitors, and - on a sporting level - it's fascinating to follow the knockout 

elimination process that gets more and more dramatic as the field reduces by half 

every second day until - finally - there are just two players still standing,” says 

Neil. 

Neil recalls his favourite memories of covering the Open seeing players come to 

the fore during the tournament and captivate the crowds. 

“In successive years, we saw Marcos Baghdatis and Fernando Gonzalez come 

from the pack to make the finals, and similarly with Jo-Wilfried Tsonga. The Open 

really throbs with excitement when these emerging players capture the public's 

imagination,” says Neil. 

Neil’s humour chuckles through when asked for his winner predictions. 

“I think the mens’ winner will be Roger Federer; maybe one last Aussie Open. I 

think the womens’ winner will be Venus Williams. In Serena's absence, Venus 

will be trying to please mum.” 

Neil’s TV career began in 1984 when he joined Willesee as a specialist reporter. 

He later featured prominently on A Current Affair and went on to produce and 

present a high-rating series called Kearney’s Characters. He also produced 

award-winning documentaries on events and personalities as diverse as The 

Kentucky Derby horse race and the late Ayrton Senna. 

Tennis fans can once again look forward to his unique reporting style during 

Seven’s coverage of the Australian Open.

MICHAEL FELGATE 

REPORTER 


HOST 


Michael will again be at Kooyong to be part of the AAMI Classic as the best 

players in the world tune up for the Australian Open. 

“I can’t wait to be among the stars of the tennis world and am particularly looking 

forward to seeing how Lleyton Hewitt prepares for his tilt at home glory. 

“If he can get some good quality match practice at Kooyong, it augurs well for his 

performance at the Open.” 

Michael will also be out and about among all the fans and entertainment at 

Melbourne Park during the Asia/Pacific Grand Slam. 

“There’s always plenty of fun to be had at the Open. People from all walks of life 

get there to revel in the holiday-like atmosphere and that makes for fun stories.” 

Michael first started at Seven as a sport reporter and presenter in 2004 after 

working at Sky Channel and overseas and has covered all sports in the news 

room including AFL, tennis, racing, and the Olympics. 

Michael has dominated the horse racing media awards since joining Seven. In 

2005 and 2006 he received the Melbourne Racing Club award for Best News 

Reporting over the Caulfield Cup Carnival and in the same years also received 

the Best Cox Plate story award from the Moonee Valley Racing Club. 

In 2006, Michael also won the overall Media Award for outstanding coverage of 

the Cox Plate Carnival. In 2007, Michael achieved a "clean sweep" in the media 

awards, winning the Best News Reporting award for the Caulfield Cup Carnival 

and Cox Plate, as well as the Best News Story award on the Victoria Derby.

PETER DONEGAN 

COMMENTATOR 


Peter Donegan is one of Australia’s most respected sports presenters and 

commentators. 

Peter has covered the full spectrum of world sport, including five Olympic Games, 

two Commonwealth Games, AFL Grand Finals, the prestigious Stawell Gift and 

major golf and tennis tournaments both at home and abroad. 

With all that rich sports broadcasting experience, he acknowledges the special 

place Kooyong holds in Australian sport and tennis. 

“Kooyong is the former home of the Australian Open and it still holds plenty of 

mystique about it with all of the great Davis Cup matches that have been played 

there as well.” 

Peter believes the AAMI Classic plays an important part of the Australian 

summer of tennis. 

“It is a true opportunity for the best players in the world to tune up for the 

Australian Open and acclimatise to the weather and playing conditions.” 

Further information: 

Greg Smith 

Seven Melbourne 

0438 777 164

Seven - AO Tennis 2011 media kit - Seven West Media

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