Seven's summer of tennis - Seven West Media

REPORTER
NEIL
KEARNEY
REPORTER
— AUSTRALIAN OPEN
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.