Seven - AO Tennis 2011 media kit - Seven West Media

SAM SMITH
COMMENTATOR
- AUSTRALIAN OPEN
- MEDIBANK INTERNATIONAL
- BRISBANE INTERNATIONAL
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.