Seven - AO Tennis 2011 media kit - Seven West Media

SANDY ROBERTS
COMMENTATOR
- AUSTRALIAN OPEN
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.