Seven's summer of tennis - Seven West Media

COMING SOON TO CHANNEL SEVEN 

SEVEN’S 

SUMMER 

OF TENNIS 

COURTSIDE FROM 

4 JANUARY TO 

31 JANUARY 2010

A SIZZLING 

SUMMER OF 

TENNIS 

THE STAGE IS SET FOR SEVEN TO SERVE UP YET ANOTHER 

SENSATIONAL SUMMER OF TENNIS, CULMINATING IN THE 

AUSTRALIAN OPEN 2010. 

Held from January 18 to January 31, the Grand Slam comes 

off the back of an exciting year that has seen a lot of change 

on the international tennis landscape. 

“[Juan Martin] Del Potro’s win in New York has blown the 

men’s event wide open and [Kim] Clijsters’ effort, combined 

with [Justine] Henin’s comeback, has had a similar effect on 

the women’s,” says Australian Open Tournament Director 

Craig Tiley. 

“We can expect some amazing tennis and absorbing drama. 

Can Rafa [Nadal] defend? Will Roger [Federer] go one better 

than last year? What influence will Juan Martin, Novak 

[Djokovic], Jo-Wilfried [Tsonga], Fernando [Verdasco] and the 

Andys [Murray and Roddick] have? Not to mention Lleyton 

[Hewitt] who will come in with some good form, a seeding and 

a full season under his belt. 

“Of course Serena [Williams] has won here four times and 

again stands tall at Melbourne Park in the women’s draw, 

but Kim is obviously back, Justine is the ultimate competitor 

so expect her to be ready, Maria [Sharapova] was so good 

last time she was here and what about our own comeback 

stories? Sam has not only come back she has surpassed 

everything she ever did before, and Alicia [Molik] and Casey 

[Dellacqua] have shown what they can do in front of a home 

crowd.” 

Seven 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 return, which in 2009 nationally 

attracted 2.25 million and 1.67 million viewers respectively. 

As well as the Grand Slam of Asia/Pacific, Seven will cover 

lead-in tournaments on the road to the Australian Open. 

These will include the Brisbane International, the Medibank 

International Sydney and the AAMI Kooyong Classic in 

Melbourne. 

Seven’s summer of tennis will be headed by BRUCE 

MCAVANEY, JOHANNA GRIGGS and MATTHEW WHITE with 

expert commentary once again at the Australian Open from 

four-time Grand Slam champion JIM COURIER and former 

world No.1 TRACY AUSTIN. 

Joining these personalities in the Seven commentary box for 

the Open as well as the lead-in tournaments will be the most 

successful doubles player in men’s tennis history and Davis 

Cup coach TODD WOODBRIDGE, Gael Monfils coach ROGER 

RASHEED, former professional player and Fed Cup coach 

NICOLE BRADTKE, Britain’s former No.1 ladies tennis player 

SAM SMITH, SANDY ROBERTS, JOHN ALEXANDER, JOHN 

FITZGERALD, CHRIS DITTMAR, ALLAN STONE and KERRYN 

PRATT.

SCHEDULED TELECAST TIMES 

ROAD TO THE 

AUSTRALIAN 

OPEN 2010 

BRISBANE INTERNATIONAL 

MONDAY JANUARY 4 

– 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 5 





WEDNESDAY JANUARY 6 (DAY SESSION) 





WEDNESDAY JANUARY 6 (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 7 (DAY SESSION) 





THURSDAY JANUARY 7 (NIGHT SESSION) 




– 10.30pm – 12.30am in Perth 

FRIDAY JANUARY 8 (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 8 (NIGHT SESSION) 




– 10.30pm – 12.30am in Perth 

SATURDAY JANUARY 9 (DAY SESSION) 


– 11am– 4pm LIVE in Brisbane 



SATURDAY JANUARY 9 (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 10 

– 3pm – COP LIVE in Sydney and Melbourne 

– 2pm – COP LIVE in Brisbane 

– 2.30pm – COP LIVE in Adelaide 

– 12pm – COP LIVE in Perth


ROAD TO THE 

AUSTRALIAN 

OPEN 2010 

MEDIBANK INTERNATIONAL SYDNEY 

SUNDAY JANUARY 10 


– 11am – 2pm LIVE in Brisbane 



– 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 11 

– 11am – 5pm LIVE in Sydney and Melbourne 




TUESDAY JANUARY 12 






– 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 





– 10.30pm – 12.30am in Perth 










– 10.30pm – 12.30am in Perth 










– 9.30pm – 11.30pm in Perth 

SATURDAY JANUARY 16 




– 7.30pm – 9.30pm in Perth


ROAD TO THE 

AUSTRALIAN 

OPEN 2010 

AAMI KOOYONG CLASSIC 

MELBOURNE 

WEDNESDAY JANUARY 13 

– 11am – End of Match Two LIVE in Sydney and Melbourne 

– 10am – End of Match Two LIVE in Brisbane 

– 10.30am – End of Match Two LIVE in Adelaide 

– 8am – End of Match Two LIVE in Perth 

THURSDAY JANUARY 14 

– 11am – End of Match Two LIVE in Sydney and Melbourne 

– 10am – End of Match Two LIVE in Brisbane 

– 10.30am – End of Match Two LIVE in Adelaide 

– 8am – End of Match Two LIVE in Perth 


– 11am – End of Match One LIVE in Sydney and Melbourne 

– 10am – End of Match One LIVE in Brisbane 

– 10.30am – End of Match One LIVE in Adelaide 

– 8am – End of Match One LIVE in Perth 





– 11.30pm – 1.30am in Perth 



– 12pm – 4pm LIVE in Brisbane 

– 12.30pm – 4.30pm LIVE in Adelaide 

– 10am – 2pm LIVE in Perth


AUSTRALIAN 

OPEN 2010 

AUSTRALIAN OPEN 2010 

MONDAY JANUARY 18 (DAY SESSION) 





MONDAY JANUARY 18 (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 19 (DAY SESSION) 





TUESDAY JANUARY 19 (NIGHT SESSION) 



































SATURDAY JANUARY 23 (DAY SESSION) 





SATURDAY JANUARY 23 (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 24 (DAY SESSION) 





SUNDAY JANUARY 24 (NIGHT SESSION) 




– 6.30pm – 12.30am (COP) in Perth


AUSTRALIAN 

OPEN 2010 

MONDAY JANUARY 25 (DAY SESSION) 





MONDAY JANUARY 25 (NIGHT SESSION) 





TUESDAY JANUARY 26 (DAY SESSION) 





TUESDAY JANUARY 26 (NIGHT SESSION) 





























– 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 31 (DAY SESSION) 




– 1pm – 3pm LIVE in Perth 

SUNDAY JANUARY 31 (NIGHT SESSION) 


– 6.30pm – 9.30pm LIVE in Brisbane 

– 6.30pm – 10pm LIVE in Adelaide 

– 6.30pm – 9.30pm in Perth

ROAD TO THE AUSTRALIAN OPEN 

TOURNAMENT 

INFORMATION 

BRISBANE INTERNATIONAL 

WHEN: January 4 – 10 ‘10 

WHERE: Queensland Tennis Centre, Brisbane 

HOST: JOHANNA GRIGGS 

COMMENTATORS: JOHN ALEXANDER, JOHN FITZGERALD, 

ROGER RASHEED, SAM SMITH and TODD WOODBRIDGE 

REPORTER: PETER COLQUHOUN 

DESCRIPTION 

Four Grand Slam winners, five former No.1s, an additional 

10 former top 10 players and crowd favourites headline the 

second Brisbane International. The women’s draw includes 

Grand Slam champions Kim Clijsters, Ana Ivanovic and 

Justine Henin and Australia’s own Jelena Dokic. US Open 

Champion, 2009 Wimbledon finalist and world No.7 Andy 

Roddick leads the men and is joined by reigning champion 

Radek Stepanek, fellow Czech Tomas Berdych, Frenchmen 

Gael Monfils and Richard Gasquet and crowd favourites 

James Blake and Marcos Baghdatis. Peter Luczak represents 

Australia in the men’s draw. 

RECENT WINNERS 

Radek Stepanek, Victoria Azarenka 

MEDIBANK INTERNATIONAL 


WHERE: Sydney Olympic Park, Sydney 

DAY (AND MEN’S FINAL) HOST: JOHANNA GRIGGS 

NIGHT HOST: TODD WOODBRIDGE 

COMMENTATORS: JOHN ALEXANDER, KERRYN PRATT, 

SAM SMITH, ALLAN STONE, GARRY WILKINSON and TODD 

WOODBRIDGE 

DESCRIPTION 

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 smartest 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. Four former world No. 

1s, eight of the world’s top 10 women and three Grand Slam 

Champions headline this year’s event. Leading the women’s 

field is world No. 1 and 11-time Grand Slam champion Serena 

Williams and world No. 3 Svetlana Kuznetsova. Representing 

Australia is world No. 13 Samantha Stosur. The men’s draw 

includes French showman and world No. 13 Gael Monfils, 

Davis Cup finalist Tomas Berdych, Stanislas Wawrinka, Sam 

Querrey and local hero Lleyton Hewitt. 


David Nalbandian, Dmitry Tursunov, Elena Dementieva, 

Justine Henin

ROAD TO THE AUSTRALIAN OPEN 

TOURNAMENT 

INFORMATION 

AAMI CLASSIC 


WHERE: Kooyong, Melbourne 

HOST: CHRIS DITTMAR 

COMMENTATORS: CHRIS DITTMAR, JOHN FITZGERALD and 

ALLAN STONE 

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. Andre Agassi 

was a firm supporter, competing eight times and winning on 

three occasions, taking the Australian Open title after each 

victory. The 2010 field includes five of the world’s top 10 

players – world No.3 Novak Djokovic, world No.5 Juan Martin 

Del Potro, world No.9 Fernando Verdasco, world No.10 Jo- 

Wilfried Tsonga and world no.8 Robin Soderling. Organisers 

are also saving a place for world No.1 Roger Federer. 


Roger Federer, Andy Roddick, David Nalbandian

AUSTRALIAN OPEN 

RECENT 

HONOUR ROLL 

SINCE THE AUSTRALIAN OPEN MOVED TO MELBOURNE PARK 

IN 1988, 10 WOMEN AND 13 MEN HAVE BEEN CROWNED 

CHAMPION: 

WOMEN 

STEFFI GRAF (GER) 1988-90, 1994 

MONICA SELES (USA) 1991-93, 1996 

MARY PIERCE (FRA) 1995 

MARTINA HINGIS (SUI) 1997-99 

LINDSAY DAVENPORT (USA) 2000 

JENNIFER CAPRIATI (USA) 2001-02 

SERENA WILLIAMS (USA) 2003, 2005, 2007, 2009 

JUSTINE HENIN-HARDENNE (BEL) 2004 

AMELIE MAURESMO (FRA) 2006 

MARIA SHARAPOVA (RUS) 2008 

MEN 

MATS WILANDER (SWE) 1988 

IVAN LENDL (USA) 1989-90 

BORIS BECKER (GER) 1991, 1996 

JIM COURIER (USA) 1992-93 

PETE SAMPRAS (USA) 1994, 1997 

ANDRE AGASSI (USA) 1995, 2000, 2001, 2003 

PETR KORDA (CZE) 1998 

YEVGENY KAFELNIKOV (RUS) 1999 

THOMAS JOHANSSON (SWE) 2002 

ROGER FEDERER (SUI) 2004, 2006, 2007 

MARAT SAFIN (RUS) 2005 

NOVAK DJOKOVIC (SRB) 2008 

RAFAEL NADAL (ESP) 2009

HOST 

BRUCE 

MCAVANEY 

HOST 

— AUSTRALIAN OPEN 

For Bruce McAvaney, 2010 marks his 21st Australian Open 

coverage and the tournament is still just as special. 

“It’s the first Grand Slam of the year which gives it extra 

significance,” he says. “For any player to win all four majors 

in the one year – the ultimate in tennis – they have to win 

in Melbourne. The other major distinction is the venue. Its 

retractable roof means there’s always at least one match 

playable. And it’s an event that grips the city.” 

In 2010, Bruce can’t think of a year when it’s been so difficult 

to pick an obvious winner. 

“On the men’s side, there are probably up to five or six that 

have a genuine chance. [Roger] Federer or [Rafael] Nadal 

have won 19 of last the 22 Grand Slams, which is pretty hard 

to dismiss but I’m going to pick Andy Murray to have that 

breakthrough win everyone’s been waiting for. The obvious 

other dangers are [Novak] Djokovic and [Juan Martin] Del 

Potro. With a favourable draw, I also think Lleyton [Hewitt] 

can get to the second week. He has worked hard to get his 

ranking up this last year. 

“And after New York, anything’s possible on the women’s side 

because of [Kim] Clijsters. She just came out of a two and 

a half year retirement and won the US Open. That was after 

missing 10 straight Grand Slam events. Now [Justine] Henin, 

who, before she retired was the dominant player in women’s 

tennis, is making a comeback and she’s only missed seven. 

But there’s always the constant of Serena [Williams], who has 

won four of the last events and when she sets herself, she is 

always the one to beat.” 

When it comes to sports broadcasting in Australia, Bruce 

has no equal. No one possesses his depth of knowledge, 

dedication to the job or extensive preparation. 

Dubbed the “mastercaster”, his television career began in 

Adelaide in 1978 when he joined ADS7 to read sports news 

and produce the weekly Racetrack show. His first big break 

came in 1980 when he hosted the Adelaide end of Channel 

Seven’s telecast of the Moscow Olympics. In 1983, he joined 

Channel Ten to read sport news. In 1984, he went to the Los 

Angeles Olympics to commentate athletics and host. 

In 1988, he co-hosted the telecast of the Seoul Olympics to 

overwhelming public and critical acclaim. During his time 

at Ten, Bruce also called the Melbourne Cup from 1985 

to 1988 and hosted sporting telecasts including the 1987 

World Athletics Championships in Rome and the 1988 Grand 

Prix Athletics in Berlin as well as reporting from the 1986 

Commonwealth Games in Edinburgh. 

In 1989, Bruce returned to Seven. Since then, he has hosted 

and commentated events such as the AFL Grand Final, 

Brownlow Medal, Melbourne Cup, Bathurst 1000, Australian 

Open tennis, Australian Masters Golf, Bledisloe Cup and Tri- 

Nations Rugby, five World Athletic Championships, two World 

Swimming Champs, the 2002 Manchester Commonwealth 

Games, 1992 Barcelona Olympics, the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, 

the 1998 Nagano Olympics, 2000 Sydney Olympics, 2002 Salt 

Lake Olympics, 2004 Athens Olympics, 2006 Torino Olympics 

and 2008 Beijing Olympics.

HOST 

JOHANNA 

GRIGGS 

HOST 

— BRISBANE INTERNATIONAL 

— MEDIBANK INTERNATIONAL 


Johanna Griggs loves all sports, but has always been a 

massive tennis fan. 

“We are very privileged to see a bit of the behind the scenes 

action in the players’ tunnels,” she says. “I love to compare 

how various players prepare for a match, and also the 

aftermath following a victory or a loss. I think back when I 

was hosting in 1996 and centre court flooded and a couple 

of the players came out and entertained the crowd. That 

captured for me the relaxed feel of the Australian Open. 

The crowds are always incredibly passionate and yet well 

behaved.” 

One of Johanna’s favourite Australian Open matches was 

when Pete Sampras faced Jim Courier in the 1995 quarter 

finals. 

“Pete broke down in tears due to the absence of his dying 

coach,” she says. “You could collectively hear the crowd’s 

hearts breaking for him. Everyone was torn between wanting 

to will him on to finish the game and supporting him through 

his grief.” 

In 2010, Johanna thinks the Australian Open title could be 

anyone’s. 

“The men’s and women’s games are more wide open than 

we’ve seen in a long time,” she says. “The rest of the field 

is catching up. I’d like to see Roger Federer win the men’s 

though. He’s had some disappointments recently but is ever 

gracious and one of the last remaining clean-living idols for 

children. I think [Juan Martin] Del Potro and [Andy] Murray 

are also in the mix for the title though. Del Potro is so tall too, 

he has the all-round game. 

“For the women’s side, I think [Kim] Clijsters could get up. 

On the back of her brilliant US Open win, I’d love to see her 

be given the satisfaction of winning the Australian Open to 

the final point (after the bizarre end to her semifinal match 

against Serena Williams).” 

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.

HOST 

MATTHEW 

WHITE 

HOST 


“The Open is uniquely Australian,” says Matthew White. 

“Melbourne Park is a brilliant facility that offers its own 

individual style to the Grand Slams (the retractable roof, the 

night finals, Garden Square etc), but it’s the people and the 

players that create the true atmosphere. 

“There’s a certain ‘feel’ to an Australian Open that makes it 

different – there’s so much history, yet it is one of the most 

advanced and professionally organised events in world sport. 

Plus, it’s the first Slam of the year – to win here is the perfect 

way to start a season.” 

Matthew says he’ll never forget Jim Courier’s back-to-back 

wins in ’92 and ’93. 

“I couldn’t believe he jumped into the Yarra to celebrate! 

But after working with him for the last few years, I can now 

believe it. Hewitt vs Nalbandian in the quarters in 2005 was 

also enthralling because there was so much drama and so 

much at stake.” 

If Matthew could match two players from any era though to 

contest an Australian Open final it would be Roger Federer 

and John McEnroe. 

“Both are master stroke players with an incredible touch. 

And maybe McEnroe could finally make the ice-cool Swiss 

star explode!” he laughs. “As for the women’s final, Steffi Graf 

versus anyone because I’d love to see her play in Australia 

again.” 

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. 

Matthew is also the host of the east coast edition of Today 

Tonight.

COMMENTATOR 

SANDY 

ROBERTS 

COMMENTATOR 


Equally at home at the ground or in the studio, Sandy is again 

looking forward to being part of the commentary team for 

Seven’s coverage of the Australian Open in 2010. 

“On current form I think the men’s will be fought out between 

a handful of players - namely [Roger] Federer, [Juan Martin] 

Del Potro, [Nikolay] Davydenko and possibly [Andy] Murray if 

he gets a good draw,” he says. “Perhaps a Federer / Del Potro 

final with the Swiss ace winning in five absorbing sets. 

“The women’s is a different story. Serena always plays well 

here but after her tumultuous year, it will be interesting to 

see how she recovers. If I am allowed a fairy tale final it 

would be between Kim Clijsters and Justine Henin, who has 

been out of the sport for the last 18 months. Justine will lack 

match practise but makes up for that with her determination 

and aggression.” 

Over the years, he says it’s not necessarily the top players 

that have provided the most memorable matches. 

“In 2006, the rise and rise of Marcos Baghdatis and his 

emotional rollercoaster was just fantastic,” Sandy says. “So 

was witnessing the precision of Andre Agassi as he thrashed 

Rainer Schuettler in the 2003 final. And watching Roger 

Federer in any match is amazing – he is a genius. He may not 

play any five-set epics, but watching him is just sensational.” 

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.

HOST / COMMENTATOR 

CHRIS 

DITTMAR 

HOST 

— AAMI KOOYONG CLASSIC 

COMMENTATOR 



As a former world No.1 squash player, sports broadcaster 

Chris Dittmar knows what it takes to make a champion. 

He says every player who takes the court at the Australian 

Open is talented – they wouldn’t be there if they weren’t. 

But if he could see players from any era compete in the finals, 

it’s some notable names from the past that first come to 

mind. 

“I’d like to see Lew Hoad play one set but my dream match 

would be Ilie Nastase against John McEnroe with both 

getting bad line calls,” he laughs. “I’d also love to see Evonne 

Goolagong Cawley take on anybody and show the world once 

again how graceful and brilliant she was.” 

Chris says the best Australian Open match he ever saw was 

in 1988, when Pat Cash lost to Mats Wilander, the first year 

the Open was held at Melbourne Park. 

“People forget how good Cash was,” says Chris. “He took on 

the best player in the world and lost in one of the toughest 

five setters ever. Seeing McEnroe ejected also broke my 

heart. He was a genius with the racquet and I was desperate 

to watch him.” 

Chris comes from a family background steeped in sporting 

achievements. His father played for Port Adelaide Football 

Club, as did his uncle Wally, who also represented South 

Australia in State of Origin and another uncle, Len, was 

crowned the Australian Welter Weight Boxing Champion in 

the ‘50s. 

Sport is in his blood, so it only seemed right that Chris would 

exceed at his chosen sport, squash, which he started playing 

professionally at the age of six. He travelled the world for 15 

years, spending time based in England and South Australia 

and was the captain of the Australian team, who were world 

champions from 1989 to 1992. 

After a series of knee operations though, Chris decided to 

retire in 1993 and returned home to Adelaide. When he retired 

from squash, Chris was ranked No.1 in the world. 

He has since turned an illustrious career as a squash player 

into a successful TV career. He has been with Channel 

Seven Adelaide since 1995 as a regular sports presenter 

and the 2000 Sydney Olympics saw him take on a full-time 

commentary role, working on beach volleyball, taekwondo, 

kayaking and rhythmic gymnastics. He has since also 

commentated at the Athens and Beijing Games. 

Chris squash’ reputation still so precedes him though that 

when former US Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld (a 

squash tragic) was in Adelaide in 2006, he had his people 

contact Chris and ask if he’d mind having a hit with Rumsfeld. 

Chris agreed and was presented with a medallion as a sign of 

Rumsfeld’s appreciation.

COMMENTATOR 

JIM 

COURIER 

COMMENTATOR 


From his unique celebratory jump into the Yarra after winning 

his two titles to battling Pete Sampras in the classic 1995 

quarter final that saw Pete break down in tears, Jim Courier 

has played a significant role in Melbourne Park’s most 

memorable moments. 

So it’s only fitting that the four-time Grand Slam champion 

will once again join Channel Seven’s commentary team 

during January’s Australian Open. 

Jim, 39, 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. 

In addition, Jim was a member of the 1992 Davis Cup-winning 

United States team and holds the distinction of being the only 

American since Davis Cup competition began in 1900 to win 

two five-set, fifth match deciders. He played through the 1999 

season and officially retired in 2001 with an overall 351-129 

singles record. 

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’s 

coverage of the 2004 Athens Olympics and has been a 

member of the Seven commentary team at the Australian 

Open since 2005. 

“The Open has a very genial feel to it for players and 

spectators alike,” he says. “Due to the date of the event, there 

is a natural optimism that all of the players bring into the New 

Year. It all adds up to a fantastic way to launch the new tennis 

season.” 

This year Jim is tipping Novak Djokovic to take out the men’s 

title. 

“He’s my pick based on his good form at end of 2009 and the 

momentum he may carry into 2010 as a result,” he says. “As 

always, the first few weeks of the year are a better indicator 

of form but he’s been very good in the second half of 2009. 

“On the women’s side, Serena Williams is the player to beat 

if she is playing her best tennis in every event played on any 

surface other than clay. I’m looking forward to seeing the 

return of both Kim Clijsters and Justine Henin to Melbourne 

to see what they can bring to the table.”

COMMENTATOR 

TRACY 

AUSTIN 

COMMENTATOR 


Former world No.1 Tracy Austin returns Down Under for the 

Australian Open in 2010. 

“I’ve always enjoyed Australia – aside from having a great 

time there for the last four years working on the Open, I 

stayed for three months training with Tony Roche during my 

career and have spent a lot of time there since,” says the 

LA-based commentator. “So many players say the Australian 

Open is their favourite event.” 

For the 2010 tournament, Tracy thinks Serena Williams is in 

the best form to take out the women’s title. 

“She started and ended 2009 strong and she seems very 

motivated to add to her 11 grand Slam singles titles,” she 

says. “If she wins, she will tie Billie Jean King with 12 Grand 

Slam singles titles. Justine Henin’s comeback will be exciting 

to watch though as well as that of Kim Clijsters and Maria 

Sharapova.” 

As for the men’s, her top pick is Roger Federer. 

“He will be fresh after having a month off and very motivated 

to start year off on the right foot,” she says. “The top of the 

men’s game is very crowded with potential Australian Open 

winners including Novak Djokovic, Juan Martin Del Potro, 

Rafael Nadal and Andy Murray.” 

Tracy is also pleased to see the women’s final now 

permanently moved to a night session, after it made a 

successful evening debut in 2009. 

“The viewership in the evenings is stronger and just like it did 

for the US Open, it’s a step forward that announces women 

have made it to the big time,” she says. “They can carry that 

timeframe. At night too, there is more atmosphere. People 

are ready to celebrate and get into the matches.” 

Tracy received her first tennis lesson at two and appeared 

on the cover of World Tennis magazine at four. After winning 

25 national titles as a junior, she launched her professional 

career by winning the first tournament she entered 

(Filderstadt, Germany, 1978) as a pro. Triumphs over Chris 

Evert and Martina Navratilova produced two U.S. Open 

crowns. In 1978, she broke Navratilova’s 37-match winning 

streak and, in the 1979 Italian Open, broke Evert’s 125-match 

claycourt winning streak. Tracy’s incredibly consistent record 

earned her celebrity status and worldwide recognition. 

She became the youngest person to become No.1 in the world 

in 1980 at age 17. Tracy represented the USA on winning Fed 

Cup and Wightman Cup teams. When forced to the sidelines 

in the mid ‘80s, she parlayed her on-court experience into 

a successful broadcasting career, which has seen her 

commentate Wimbledon, the US Open, French Open and the 

Olympics.

HOST / COMMENTATOR 

TODD 

WOODBRIDGE 

HOST 


COMMENTATOR 




Todd hit his first tennis ball at two, played his first 

tournament at six and decided to be a tennis professional 

when he was 10. 

By the time he was 15, Todd had qualified for his first 

professional tennis tournament at the Brisbane Challenger. 

Although it was his first time, he won two rounds in that 

tournament. 

Todd won the Australian, French and Wimbledon Juniors 

doubles titles in 1988 and Australian and French Junior 

doubles in 1989. Moreover, he won seven Grand Slam doubles 

titles as a junior. He was a finalist in singles at the Wimbledon 

Juniors and Australian Open Juniors in ‘87 and ‘89. As a 

result, he was the No. 1 junior doubles player and No. 6 in 

singles in the world in 1987. 

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. 

Todd is now fast earning a reputation as a commentator who 

isn’t afraid to speak his mind. 2010 is his fifth year as part of 

Seven’s on-air team for the summer of tennis and he thinks 

it’s going to be especially interesting. 

“Roger [Federer] and Rafa [Nadal] have finally come back to 

the field,” he says. “Don’t expect the sheer dominance they 

have had in the past. Now we have the likes of [Andy] Murray, 

[Novak] Djokovic and [Juan Martin] Del Potro. For me, there 

are five real contenders for the men’s title. 

“And [Justine] Henin and [Kim] Clijsters coming back has 

given the women’s side a real injection and will do great 

things. Serena [Williams] has really dominated but this is 

really going to apply pressure.” 

Away from the Channel Seven coverage, Todd has had a busy 

year. He’s now the Davis Cup coach, the national head of 

men’s tennis and in 2010, continues his role as tournament 

director for the Australian Open Legends event.

COMMENTATOR 

ROGER 

RASHEED 

COMMENTATOR 



Elite tennis coach and broadcaster Roger Rasheed makes his 

fourth appearance with Channel Seven’s summer of tennis 

commentary team in 2010. 

Roger believes the anticipation and excitement that come with 

the first major tournaments of the year, culminating with the 

Australian Open, cannot be matched. 

For the 2010 Open, Roger says he can’t go past his charge 

Gael Monfils, who he has been coaching since mid-2008. 

“I believe he has the weapons to one day claim a Grand Slam,” 

he says. “We have been building up his stocks and are getting 

closer to the package which may deliver it. No, he is not a 

favourite but he is in a small small group that over the two 

weeks could make a huge name for himself.” 

On the women’s side, Roger tips Serena Williams to win her 

fifth Australian Open title. 

“I have always have said that when the Williams sisters are 

in the draw of a Slam, you must give them top billing as they 

have the overall firepower to work through the draw. This 

year we will see some special moments with Kim [Clijsters] 

and Justine [Henin] back but nobody will want Justine in their 

little section. She is fit, competitive and has won before so 

she understands the process.” 

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 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 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. 

A talented AFL player as well, Roger battled serious back 

injury throughout his professional tennis career and it finally 

got the better of him in 1993. However, as often comes with 

the retirement of talented professionals, one door closed but 

plenty opened. 

In addition to his coaching roles, Roger became a voice of 

authority on both 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.

COMMENTATOR 

NICOLE 

BRADTKE 

COMMENTATOR 


As a stalwart of Australian women’s tennis, Nicole Bradtke 

is unashamedly biased about what she believes is the sport’s 

greatest Grand Slam tournament – the Australian Open. 

The venue, the crowds, the Aussie attitude and by no means 

least, the sensational tennis the conditions and time of year 

evoke from the players. 

“The Australian Open is rare in that the venue is walking 

distance from the city – which the crowds and players love,” 

Nicole says. “And even if you don’t have a premium ticket for 

one of the main courts, there’s always something going on so 

everyone’s involved. 

“Another great factor is where the Open sits on the tennis 

calendar. The players are coming back from a long lay-off 

and it’s a mystery as to who will be in the best form. It’s an 

environment ripe for upsets and epic matches.” 

Nicole, Australia’s current Federation Cup captain, says 

as always, she’ll be following the fortunes of local players 

closely in the hope that a few fairytales emerge. 

“But my tip for the men’s title is Roger Federer because he is 

always a danger in Grand Slams,” she says. 

“For the women, I am going for Kim Clijsters because I like 

her, she gives 100 percent and she is always fit.” 

Nicole hit her first ball at five and started played 

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. 

Nicole represented Australia in the Federation Cup for six 

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.

COMMENTATOR 

JOHN 

ALEXANDER 

COMMENTATOR 




John Alexander is a champion of the game both on and off the 

court. 

Having been with Channel Seven’s tennis coverage since 

his retirement from the ATP tour, he has also served as 

Australia’s Federation Cup captain. 

In 1968, aged 17, John became the youngest player to have 

represented Australia in the Davis Cup and went on to be one 

of this country’s longest serving players in that world team 

tournament. 

During his ATP tour career, he won seven singles titles and 

27 doubles titles, ranked in the world’s top 10 in singles and 

peaked at world No.2 in doubles. 

John is highly regarded for both his technical and historical 

knowledge and played during one of the great eras of tennis. 

But as a commentator, he believes we may in the midst of a 

“golden age” in world tennis. 

“There are so many players performing at such a high level 

that any one of them in the men’s draw could step up and be 

a Grand Slam champion,” he says. “The level of depth in the 

field lining up for the Open and other tournaments during 

summer is phenomenal. Andy Murray, for example, has to be 

one of the best ever world No.4s.” 

For the 2010 men’s title however, John is tipping Rafael 

Nadal or Roger Federer first and foremost, but thinks Novak 

Djokovic could be an outside chance. 

He’s more definite when it comes to the women’s side. 

“Unless Martina Navratilova or Margaret Court make a 

comeback, I’m tipping Kim Clijsters,” he says. 

Those predictions could fly out the window on day one if the 

sort of upsets the Open is renowned for takes place. But one 

thing John is certain of is an electric atmosphere. 

“The Open is unlike any other sporting event, forget just 

Grand Slam tennis events,” he says. “It comes after a break 

in the tour, the players are fresh and excited to play. Most 

competitors come from a freezing winter in Europe to the 

Aussie sunshine. The Aussie crowds love their sport and are 

intelligent. The players love the shopping thanks to the value 

of the Aussie dollar … it’s simply a fantastic event.”

COMMENTATOR 

KERRYN 

PRATT 

COMMENTATOR 



Kerryn Pratt believes the Australian Open reflects the Aussie 

way of life. 

“It has a friendly, relaxed atmosphere, but knows when to get 

serious! 

“It hasn’t the tradition of Wimbledon, but it has that awesome 

atmosphere created by the bands, beer, hot weather and the 

fans in the Garden Square, enjoying watching a big match. 

It’s also intriguing as it’s the first Slam of the year, with a lot 

of unknown factors as to how players are going to shape up. 

Also, as the players are just off a break, they’re fresher and 

eager to get the year started positively.” 

In the 2010 Open, Kerryn thinks Serena Williams will be the 

force to be reckoned with on the women’s side. 

“She will be looking to follow up last year’s two-Slam 

performance with something even more dominant and 

looking to redeem herself on the Grand Slam stage after her 

damaging behavior at the US Open,” she says. “The returns of 

Kim [Clijsters] and Justine [Henin] should provide Serena with 

extra motivation. She ended the year with a bang winning the 

tour championships, and if she’s healthy, I tip her to start the 

year with another big win.” 

Kerryn is tipping Novak Djokovic for the men’s title. 

“There are a handful of men hard to go past, with [Nikolay] 

Davydenko serving notice that he’s ready for a Grand Slam 

win. [Roger] Federer has shown a few flaws, [Rafael] Nadal 

had a tough second half of 2009 largely due to injuries and 

out of [Juan Martin] Del Potro, [Andy] Murray and Djokovic, 

I feel Novak may be the one ready to step up in Melbourne. 

He finished the season tired but well, and should start 2010 

rested and full of confidence.” 

Kerryn is an accomplished former Australian tennis player. A 

leading junior player, she represented the country at Junior 

Wimbledon and won a tennis scholarship at the Australian 

Institute of Sport from 1981-82. Kerryn went on to make the 

last 16 in the Australian Open singles, was a semi-finalist in 

the Australian Open doubles and at the Beckenham England 

singles and was a finalist in the Queensland Open singles and 

won the Australian Hardcourt doubles. 

She has since achieved her Bachelor of Arts in sport studies, 

spent 17 years as a television sports journalist and producer 

and been a tennis commentator for Grand Slams and other 

major events for the last eight years. 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.

COMMENTATOR 

ALLAN 

STONE 

COMMENTATOR 


— AAMI CLASSIC 


Former Australian Open doubles champion Allan Stone has 

been commentating tennis on Channel Seven for more than 

30 years. 

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 Seven. After 

his retirement, he became a permanent member of the 

network’s team and has commentated at the Sydney Olympics 

in 2000 and most major tennis events, including the NSW 

Open, Australian Open, Davis Cup and Wimbledon. 

“It’s the laid back, friendly style of the Australian Open 

tournament and spectators that separate it from the other 

Grand Slams though,” he says. “There’s a huge build 

up through the lead-up events too and a great sense of 

anticipation in the last couple of days before it starts.” 

For the 2010 Australian Open, Allan believes two of 2009’s 

top performers are likely to take out the men’s and women’s 

singles titles. 

“I’m tipping Juan Martin Del Potro to win the men’s singles,” 

he says. “He won the US Open and is on the way up. There are 

form and injury worries with Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and 

Andy Murray. 

“I think Serena Williams will win the women’s singles. As the 

world No.1 and defending champion, she would also be very 

keen hold on to title. And she would want to perform well to 

put behind her the episode at the US Open.” 

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.

COMMENTATOR 

JOHN 

FITZGERALD 

COMMENTATOR 




As far as John Fitzgerald is concerned, world No.1 Roger 

Federer is still the man to beat for the 2010 Australian Open 

title. 

“It’s just too hard to pick against him,” he says. “He’s been a 

finalist in all four Slams in ‘09, winning two of them and he is 

still the best player in the world. 

“I’m picking Serena Williams to win the women’s. If she plays 

at her best, Serena is still the best female player in the world. 

Kim Clijsters could be a threat though.” 

John thinks local hopes for the tournament, led by world 

No.26 Lleyton Hewitt, are mixed. While Chris Guccione has 

an Achilles issue and may not be ready, he says Lleyton’s 

training “very hard” while Peter’s Luczak is probably “in the 

best form of his life” and Carsten Ball has also been playing 

his best tennis. 

John doesn’t think the lack of potential Australian champions 

makes the Open any less appealing to Aussie fans though. 

“We are certainly looking for the next Australian champion 

but in such a global sport, there is more competition than 

ever,” he says. “All of the great players of the world will be 

here. The appeal speaks for itself.” 

This will be John’s 14th year providing expert commentary for 

Seven’s summer of tennis. 

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.

COMMENTATOR 

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 world No.55 and Britain’s No.1 women’s singles 

player, Sam has been a member of the Eurosport, Sky Sports, 

BBC Radio and BBC TV tennis commentary teams. 

In 2010, she joins the Channel Seven summer of tennis team 

for the second time at the Brisbane, Medibank International 

and Australian Open tournaments. 

Sam fits right in with Australian tennis fans too – she loves an 

underdog. 

“The start of the year is so unpredictable - so much depends 

on how well the off-season training went for the players, 

which means the scene is set for upsets,” she says. 

For the Open, Sam’s pick for the men’s title is Novak Djokovic. 

“Although he came to Australia unprepared last year in my 

view, I believe for 2010 he will be totally ready and motivated 

to win again,” she says. 

“He finished the ‘09 season so strongly and after a difficult 

year emerged a far better player, especially around the 

forecourt. His game is probably more suited to the Australian 

Open court surface than any other contender.” 

On the women’s side, Sam thinks “Aussie Kim” Clijsters could 

be the one to beat. 

“She’s unbelievably popular in Australia and that alone will 

see her through some tight matches,” she says. 

“As she proved in New York when she’s on-form, no one is 

going to beat her and she should be even better after a long 

preparation for the Australian summer.”

REPORTER 

NEIL 

KEARNEY 

REPORTER 


A champion spinner of truly outstanding yarns for Seven at 

Olympics, a 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. 

“The summer atmosphere really comes out during Oz Open 

fortnight,” says Neil. “The colour, the really hot days, zinc 

cream and green beer bottles, lazing in the courtyard, a 

fuming row over the balls or court surfaces, massive cheques 

(for the players; not the humble reporters covering it!), a 

gripping climax. 

“The Open is to summer what the Melbourne Cup is to spring. 

It defines the seasons, shapes the sporting year.” 

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 highrating 

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. 

“So much happens at the Open, but the most riveting aspect 

of covering it is the unfolding drama,” says Neil. “Watching 

the war of attrition is fascinating. My favourite matches were 

Lleyton Hewitt’s in 2005 – all, except the final. Whatever 

anyone says about Hewitt’s demeanour, no-one can doubt 

his tenacity. There’s something wonderful about an athlete 

who can produce big performances time after time, against 

increasing odds.” 

For the 2010 Open, Neil’s tips to take out the men’s and 

women’s singles are Fernando Verdasco and Serena 

Williams. 

“The Spaniard is ready to topple the top seeds and Serena 

knows how to win,” he says.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION 

PLEASE CONTACT 

PENELOPE CROSS 

SEVEN PUBLICITY SYDNEY 

T: 02 8777 7270 

M: 0421 370 500 

E: PCROSS@SEVEN.COM.AU

Seven's summer of tennis - Seven West Media

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