Seven - AO Tennis 2011 media kit - Seven West Media

JIM COURIER
COMMENTATOR
- AUSTRALIAN OPEN
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.