Seven's summer of tennis - Seven West Media

COMMENTATOR
JIM
COURIER
COMMENTATOR
— AUSTRALIAN OPEN
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.”