“Cross Court” had it’s season final this morning. It just aired in Sydney and Melbourne (and soon in other cities). They ended the show advertising the summer of tennis, mentioning the United Cup, the Brisbane International, the Adelaide International and the big one - the Australian Open.
They even had a brief bloopers segment towards the end of the show, with Todd Woodbridge and Jelena Dokic being tongue tied a few times.
Such an underrated show. So simple, but very informative.
Thursday 2 January 8:30 PM
The Racket tells the story of John McEnroe’s unique history at the Australian Open, including his insights and reflection on his 1990 Australian Open disqualification.
Produced by Tennis Australia
Interesting that the Brisbane International will air on main channel in Queensland on Sunday and Monday nights next week, while it will be on 9GO! in other states.
It’s The United Cup that is on 9Gem. The Brisbane International is on 9Go that luckily is now in HD.
Why don’t Channel Nine switch and swap with tournaments ma making the primary channel the priority?
Thursday 9 January 7:30 PM
Back by popular demand and rallying for good. Rod Laver Arena hosts 10-time Australian Open champion Novak Djokovic alongside friends for an unforgettable charity match.
The series of charity matches are back this year as part of AO opening week.
Thursday 9 January 10:30 PM
Forza Jannik pulls the curtains back on the tennis renaissance taking place in Italy. This isn’t just a story about tennis; it’s a tale of national pride, of young athletes against the odds, and of a country’s relentless quest to dominate the sport.
One thing I don’t like about Nine’s coverage of these lead up events is they’re never hosted from the venues. I would also doubt that they’re even called from the venues. Probably all done out of Sydney and Melbourne. Pretty tacky effort.
No they are called from the venues.
It’s a bit of a shame the Brisbane International can’t be on the main channel, I believe part of the ATP Cup > United Cup agreement in Nine’s TA contract (which is brand new from this season 2025 at a new record price tag).
The Bris Int’l used to arguably be the most popular Aus Open lead-up tournament and would rate rather well, save for the old Hopman Cup in Perth.
At least both get quite a bit of prime time exposure from tonight too and it’s back to the old days of a longer ‘summer of tennis’ starting in late December, ensuring plenty of exposure and promotion ahead of the Grand Slam of the Asia Pacific come mid-Jan.
In regards to the UC v BI broadcast decision, firstly, I’d imagine they’re pushing 9Now and Stan Sport, as Nine are heavily about the digital future and streaming, not to mention accessing what match you want to watch (any court). But secondly, I guess 9Go! makes sure there’ll be viewers for the BI, while main channel for UC will make sure there’s a reach, however if it were reversed, BI might’ve been higher, but I fear UC would’ve been even lower.
The panels on this desk are getting worse. This looks terrible.
Hopefully Nine can invest a bit in refreshing the sport + soft set soon.
The front of that WWOW desk in Sydney looks truly awful. How have they not addressed that already!?
Surprised Nine aren’t pumping up the Kyrgios vs Djokovic match more tomorrow night at the Bris Int’l. Although I see social media is a bit ‘Novak & Nick’. Is this the one that’s being moved to the main channel in at least Queensland markets? Could be a lot of fun and draw a sizeable crowd.
