It’s good to get confirmation of that (and thanks for sharing the info you have and can share - it’s much appreciated).
I’ve suspected for a while there’s been a clear separation because of how Stan Sport does its own thing for the grand slams (and will be doing that for the Olympics) whereas if it was more closely tied in with WWOS, you would think there would be more crossover when it comes to talent used and production philosophies in the same way (for example) NBC handles Peacock’s sports coverage.
Agree and that’s why Nine/9Now’s coverage and effort, at least until this year, has been top stuff, great exposure and promption too, also you could see in 9Gem’s ratings in recent years (even this year with Demon’s run).
But yes, I think you’re right, the clay courts, foreign language barrier and Australia’s not so great success at Roland Garros probably does push the US Open ahead of it, where it’s more what we are used to (hard courts, nights, English and have had a lot of success), this despite the even poorer time zone.
Feels like defense of it that’s all. Again, would have been no issue if they advertised this from the start of tournament. This just pissed off sone viewers.
The Stan Sport experience for slams has been fantastic since they took over. Having the 9Gem coverage complement this helps as well. The two should be working in sync.
Nine’s Wimbledon coverage starts next Monday 1 July. Depending on the night and market the coverage will span 9Gem where it starts most nights to the main channel and 9Go in some cities.
Coverage starts at 7:30 pm AEST with a preview show
The most prestigious event on the tennis calendar is back. Join the Wide World of Sports team for Wimbledon 2024,live from the All England Lawn Tennis & Croquet Club. Live play begins 8:00PM AEST.
Live coverage is at 8:00pm AEST.
The full schedule of the first week on multichannels won’t be available for all markets until Monday.
The French Open is probably the weakest of the Grand slams Slams here in Australia. But nonetheless, it was silly for Nine to say they’d have extensive coverage of the tournament, to only cut back big time a few days into it. I really can’t see that happening for Wimbledon.
BEGINS MONDAY WITH EVERY MATCH LIVE AND FREE ON 9GEM AND CHANNEL 9
Wimbledon 2024, the third major Grand Slam tennis tournament of the year, begins on Monday July 1, from 7.30pm on 9Gem before moving to Channel 9 later in the evening.
Over the two-week tournament, grass-court glory awaits as the best of the best converge on the All England Lawn Tennis Club, with the winners taking home the Gentlemen’s Singles Trophy and the Rosewater Dish for the women.
Nine’s Wide World of Sports commentary team for Wimbledon will include Todd Woodbridge, Alica Molik, Tony Jones, Jelena Dokic, Samantha Stosur and Brenton Speed, with Roz Kelly and Brett Phillips hosting.
After reaching the quarter-finals at Roland Garros earlier this year, Alex de Minaur is among the 11 Australian players confirmed for the singles at Wimbledon. Completing the male Aussie lineup are Thanasi Kokkinakis, Jordan Thompson, Alexei Popyrin, Chris O’Connell, Rinky Hijikata, Max Purcell, Aleksander Vukic and Adam Walton.
After missing Wimbledon in 2023 due to a knee injury, Aijla Tomjanovic will return to the grass. Daria Saville is the other Australian woman in the tournament.
Coming off his first French Open title, defending Wimbledon champion Carlos Alcaraz is considered the man to beat. Alcaraz, 21, recently became the youngest male player to win major titles on all three surfaces, after claiming the US Open in 2023. His strongest opponent is the 2024 Australian Open champion and current world No.1 Jannik Sinner.
After her recent victory at Roland Garros, world No.1 Iga Świątek is aiming to add a grass court Wimbledon major to her trophy cabinet. Apart from the top seed, Australia Open champion and world No. 2 Aryna Sabalenka and American Coco Gauff are among the fancied contenders.
The great Aussie champion Ash Barty will make a return to Wimbledon to play in the Invitational Doubles, playing for the first time since retiring after winning the 2022 Australian Open.
ON 9GEM AND CHANNEL 9 BEGINS MONDAY, JULY, 1 AT 7.30PM WIMBLEDON 2024
Good to see Roz Kelly leading coverage of much of Wwos’ tennis unit, also actively promotes online and seems to have great rapport with Jelena Dokic and a good look too. Maybe this is why they haven’t given her a hosting gig at the Olympics? Talent equity or whatever across events.
