The Nick Kyrgios versus Andreas Seppi match on Wednesday night, and the affiliated Channel Seven cheerleading team, was one of the most uncomfortable and disheartening things I have seen in tennis – in fact sport – for years.
Channel Seven’s nationalistic nonsense has driven me mad for decades, yet this year it seems to have been taken to a new level.
It’s hard to even find a match played by non-Australians on TV in the first four days of the tournament.
In my house, we wait for the majority of the Aussies to be knocked out so we can begin to see some of our real heroes play.
We are not unpatriotic, yet our enjoyment in watching Australians is stifled by outrageously biased commentary, egging on players whose chances of success are grossly overstated.
Using the official Open app to check scores from all courts enunciates just how many great matches are taking place while Seven continue their obsession with an array of low-grade Aussies, who have little chance of progressing past the second round.
While Kyrgios is certainly in another class and his matches demand broadcast time, the barracking and one-sidedness of the commentary during his matches is obvious – and thankfully, over.
The Seven crew were at their best-worst during Kyrgios’ match, as the Australian-centric commentary distorted the contest.
Comically, the commentators spoke of Kyrgios feeling stressed when he went down a break late in the third set. They were concerned for his welfare and he obliged with a childish demolition of a racquet.
Did they once think of the stress that his opponent may have been feeling throughout the first two sets, when he was utterly blown off the court by the brilliantly talented Australian? If so, they might have mentioned it.
The argument about media attention and letting a young man make mistakes as he grows has worn thin. When you go to work, you behave a certain way, respect the institution and give your best.
Andreas Seppi, is a 32-year-old veteran who has played with grace, honour and dignity over the course of his long career. He deserves better than having to put up with the crap that the recently suspended Kyrgios dished up.
Kyrgios spat the dummy while leading two sets to love, frustrated that his speedy freight train, which demolishes opponents in a short space of time, had hit its first hurdle for the week. At the first sight of stress, Kyrgios crumbled into a heap, yet was urged on.
The complete and utter disrespect shown towards Seppi late in the fifth set, when Kyrgios returned a ball between his legs, was typical of the madness he often produces on the court. However, the understated role that Seppi played in the contest, according to the commentators, was cringeworthy.
Hearing Lleyton Hewitt make excuse after excuse for Kyrgios after he slowly imploded was hilarious. Off-camera, I wonder if Hewitt might in fact be concerned about how to turn this flawed, arrogant and immature tennis genius into someone who might one day play Davis Cup with the passion and commitment that he once did.
Surely Hewitt, an abrupt and tough character when he wants to be, would have a far more critical and honest appraisal of the foolish Kyrgios. I never thought I would see the day when Hewitt became a commercial television cheerleader.
The appalling abuse directed towards ball kids who were a little tardy in presenting Kyrgios with his towel was glossed over and the comments directed at his own box were Andy Murray-like in their curiosity and aggression.
Throughout it all, the commentators were completely Australian-centric and the saddest feature is that the crowd displayed a similar attitude by cheering opposition errors and booing against a worthy opponent.
It’s bad enough that we are forced to put up with TV personalities impersonating tennis aficionados – Nathan Templeton, Basil Zempilas, Jim Wilson and Dave Culbert take note – but why must we put up with cheerleading from people who should know better, considering their experience in the game?
Listening to Rennae Stubbs attempt to convince me that Sam Stosur’s match-up with Heather Watson was perfect for the Australian, despite not providing any credible evidence as to why, was laughable.
As the match turned in the ever-improving Watson’s favour, and the reality of Stosur not having won a singles match for many months became clear, Stubbs’ analysis was exposed as the ramblings of a single-minded nationalistic Australian, cheering on a player rather than critically analysing the contest.
The commentary only gets worse when Daria Gavrilova hits the court. Watching Ana Konjuh have her faults cheered against by the crowd and Todd Woodbridge showing as much class as Donald Trump’s critique of a disabled reporter, is a poor reflection on us as a sporting nation.
As Konjuh approached the net and Gavrilova passed the Croation, Woodbridge exclaimed, “great forehand”.
When the roles were reversed, Woodbridge whined, “Oh she made the pass.”
That’s cheerleading, Todd, and, as a tennis professional, it should be below you. John Fitzgerald has refused to join your kind and you could learn a lot from him.
I enjoy seeing a young Aussie do well and Jaimee Fourlis’ success was heartwarming. Seeing teenager Alex De Minaur win a round was brilliant and watching young Jordan Thompson win in five tight sets was gripping television.
What I don’t need is tennis commentary that is merely cheerleading in disguise. Call the game as it unfolds.
Understand that many of us love tennis, not just Australians who play. We want to watch many of our heroes – Australian or not – compete, without the dark cloud of ridiculously unrealistic Aussie-optimism ruining the coverage.
Merle Mcdonald
Guest
Not happy with the interviews being shown during the games. It is an insult to the players on court when you are interviewing another pkayer. It disrupts the viewers when you have a split screen, unless people have a movie theatre size TV, and some good points are missed bcause of reduced size. If viewers want to watch Brisbane open they can change channels, you don't have to try and put both tournaments on one channel. Worse TV cover of tennis I have seen.
Ekka
Guest
Who on earth is this Stuart Thomas? He claims not to be unpatriotic, than writes several pages of commentary and responses to his sycophants which proves beyond doubt his lack of patriotism. He's certainly not Australian going on his rant. I am, you are, we are - except for Stuart - Australians.
rennae stubbs
Guest
Stuart....Firstly, let me just say, wow! i actually cannot believe some of the stuff out of your mouth. As for me, I gave MANY facts as to why Sam was the favorite against Heather. A) I said she HAS A WINNING RECORD over Heather and has NEVER lost to her and that helps going into any match. B) Sam hits her ball with spin and gets the ball above her opponents shoulders better than most, which Heather doesn't like. There were many reasons why i felt confident in SAM in this match up. Also, i wish you could read my twitter feed and the abuse i received FROM TV WATCHES for NOT be more supportive of Sam. "why are you so negative towards SAM, BLAH BLAH!!! As clearly i was NOT being biased!!! Cannot win with anyone. I try and be supportive in what i see and also very honest without being negative OR over the top. Just fair and honest with FACTS!!! NO COMMENTATOR decides what matches are seen, NOT EVER!! That is not our call. SO, when you put the headline up, consider who you should be bashing! And Monkey whatever, have you ever played tennis in your life?? Sam does have one of the best serves in the game! Period! i know, because i have played against her and all the other players with great serves! When she is confident, its a weapon!! You have no idea what we are ask to do from our bosses or from the rest of the viewing public. Next time, maybe find my information out or give me a call, am happy to inform you on what its like to call 50 matches and be liked BY EVERYONE! IMPOSSIBLE!
Ross L
Guest
I so agree CH 7 commentators for tennis are the worst and always have been. Aside from the Oz players they cheer to the hilt for all the favourites ..especially the other night when McLachlan say he really hoped Federer would win.. mate your a commentator not part of his entourage, and the back over the top of how wonderful the Williams sisters are and tonight they will be barracking for Rafa to the max. Also when Sverev was beating Murray they still gave him no hope of winning even when he was a break up in the final set. it drives me mad they give no other players credit. And then we could talk all night about the pushing of MKR
Griffo
Roar Guru
Bit late to this but totally agree. I doubt it would be different if an Aussie went deep. It would just be a whole lot worse. Something to be said for keeping it neutral. And Kyrgios? He's a man now apparently. The sooner the cheerleaders stop making excuses the sooner he might realise that the first step to getting help is to realise you are the only one who can help yourself. I suspect fewer and fewer want to try and right that slowly sinking ship. Enough has been said about him dealing with pressure mid-game, too.
Stuart Thomas
Expert
I'm with you Wilfred, I received a text from a mate today stating that he felt Guccione had been in a 'good paddock' recently. I can't imagine what he meant. Go ahead and call him 'gooch'. As long as you're not working on seven, let rip.
Stuart Thomas
Expert
Precisely. Just saw a shot of the closed roof on Rod Laver arena and Hamish McLachlan said, ' the roof is closed'. Thanks idiot, quality analysis. Have a listen to the first words out of Woodbridge's mouth at the end of Gavrilova's match, absolute cheerleading.
Remo Shankar
Roar Pro
Spot on...and another thing Richie did so well so to say nothing at the right time....
Wilfred
Guest
This wouldn't have happened if over the past few years we had all got behind the greatest Australian tennis player of all time, the mighty Chris Guccione. Stuart, am I permitted to call him 'the Gooch' ? PS I also felt the the 'Bernie'ing of Mr Tomic pointed to his potential rehabilitation at 7. If only he could play to 7's expectations.
Stuart Thomas
Expert
I'm with you Monkey, hearing Hamish Mclachlan talk about the potential 'bagel' in the first set was awful. He thought he was so cool knowing that term. I can't stand the nicknames, we have Hame, Stubbsy, Rog, Bas etc. Completely unprofessional. Let alone the ridiculous 'Dasha', 'Rafa', 'Bernie' etc. One of Richie Benauds first rules was to always refer to players and commentators by their full name or surname and I reckon he might be a good yardstick by which to measure.
Remo Shankar
Roar Pro
Stuart, I think you've voiced what a lot of us have all been thinking. The worst for me are Renee Stubbs and Hamish McLachlan. I actually think when Stubbs sticks to just analysing the tennis, she is pretty good. As soon as an Australian is in the mix, her analysis turns to mush.You don't really want to criticise her for supporting an Aussie player, but the way she presents Stosur is hallucinogenic. She's running a totally different narrative to what's unfolding before our eyes. And if I hear her tell me one more time that Sam has one of the greatest serves in Women's tennis, I'll start stripping the wall paper off the walls and eating it. Stosur has a very good kick serve. Unfortunately for her most of the women on tour hit with a two handed backhand, so it presents less of a problem to most women of at least an average height. It's not the decimating shot that Renee Stubbs wold have you believe. Regarding McLachlan, his commentary last night on the Federer match was excruciating.He wouldn't shut up - for some reason he thinks he needs to fill every second of air time with his babble - he must be being paid by the word.
Stuart Thomas
Expert
Yes Qwetzen, channel nine cricket has been on a downward spiral for quite some time. Slater takes the cake for me and despite many who don't mind him, I think Nicholas is of the same mould. Very little interest in painting the picture and informing more, as you say, grandstanding and recalling past glories. Healy comes across as a seedy old man and I still can wipe the 'violin playing' incident of a few years back. Waqar was my hero and I enjoyed his comments most of the time. I haven't watched much big bash on Ten this year. yet Ponting and Waugh are not much better. The best I've heard this season was Andrew Symonds. Wouldn't engage with the crap and made some really insightful comments. It is a strange thing about our nation that we can play but can't describe it very well. Have a ripper rest of your weekend.
qwetzen
Guest
Pfffft. There's worse off than tennis tv watchers you know Stuart. Try listening to Nein's cricket mob. The boofheads who changed 'commentary' to 'commontary'. They give the same totally biased coverage but with much added self-glorification; "And I hand over now to the great Australian captain Mark Taylor. Tubs, tell us about your 334 v Pakistan. Again." It's one of Australia's great dichotomies: That we're so good at sport but have such rubbish commentaries. Honourable exception being the AFL, but with Cometti now gone they'll lose a full star. And this leads to another dichotomy: Ever since tv began in Oz our commercial networks have devoutly practiced the creativity of the lazy by simply pinching formats from America, yet somehow they've completely failed to notice the fabulous format of the NFL & baseball. Here ex-players, and there's usually one one, appear to be chosen more for their media skills & articulation rather than playing stature, or postcode, there's a "colour" man, someone with a catchy turn of phrase and there's a "play-by-play" caller. The whole telecast is entirely conversational, good-humoured, informative and entertaining. Nein have a brigade of bellowing boofheads whose main purpose is to get as many blokey, jokey jibes in at their co-comms as possible. Anyway, sorry to have digressed to Nein's sport from your tennis gripe Stuart, but they're practically conjoined twins. Sharing the one brain 'n all.
GWSINGAPORE
Guest
A great pity Fred Stolle never worked for Seven in the Australian Open. He is the Richie Benaud of tennis commentators.
Stuart Thomas
Expert
Thanks Shanan, most of the feedback I have had today apart from one fool on Twitter named basil, could it be Zempilas?, has been supportive of what we obviously both feel. Unfortunately she is through to the next round so two more days of Dasha nonsense to deal with. At least we should get to see all the remaining matches without interruption. Tennis rights are a little out of abc's budget. Thanks for reading, much appreciated.
Stuart Thomas
Expert
Looks that way Nate, but I'll hazard a guess that between the three of us we have a lot more actual experience in sport, more knowledge of a broad array of codes and games and a more level headed and unbiased approach to things. Some people just see what they want to see and not the truth.
Stuart Thomas
Expert
Thanks football, I'm taking that as a wonderful compliment from an astute judge of all things sport. Got a few irons in the fire, I hope you enjoy.
Shanan Miller
Guest
Stuart Thomas, Thankyou for spelling out exactly what I think as well, particularly about only showing matches in whcih Australians feature. I would have loved to have watched the final games of the Monfils/Kholschrieber match but instead coverage ceased and was replaced by 15 minutes of hype on Daria Gavrilova prior to her match against Bacinszky. Also both Kyrgios and Tomic could learn some lessons from Djokovich, Berych and Zverev and how to behave with dignity when faced with defeat. I don't recall any contempt of court staff, raquet smashing or tanking taking place. Also I wonder why it's Channel 7 who broadcasts the tennis and not the public broadcaster, i.e. the ABC?
Nate
Guest
Same with every major sporting event that gets broadcast in this country. People are not interested in watching top quality sport, they are interested in watching Australians. Seems I am in the minority with you and Peeeko.
football
Guest
Stuart, another brilliant piece. Thank you for all your good work recently. look forward to the next piece :D