Several fans recently reacted to ESPN’s newly released commentary lineup for the 2026 Australian Open, with many voicing their disapproval of the selections. The list notably omitted familiar voices, such as Jannik Sinner’s current coach, Darren Cahill, former World No. 4 and Coco Gauff’s former coach, Brad Gilbert, and Australian legend Rennae Stubbs. Additionally, the inclusion of some new faces prompted further questions among viewers.
Fans React As Jannik Sinner’s Coach and Coco Gauff’s Ex-Coach Absent From Commentary Lineup
Melbourne Park will once again host the Australian Open in 2026, scheduled to take place from January 12 to February 1. The action gets underway with the now-established Opening Week and stretches across three weeks, culminating in the men’s singles final at Rod Laver Arena.
World No. 1 Jannik Sinner returns as the defending men’s champion, while American star Madison Keys will headline the women’s draw as the reigning champion.
Another key development ahead of the tournament came from ESPN, the broadcaster responsible for comprehensive coverage of the season’s first Grand Slam.
The global sports media giant recently unveiled its Australian Open commentary lineup, announcing Katie George as host for the opening week, followed by NBA Today anchor Malika Andrews, who will take over hosting duties in the second week.
Match commentary across ESPN’s networks will be led by a distinguished team of American broadcasters, including Chris Fowler, Chris McKendry, and Mike Monaco.
Studio and on-court analysis, meanwhile, will feature an accomplished panel of former players and legends, including Patrick McEnroe, Jason Goodall, John McEnroe, Chris Evert, Christopher Eubanks, and CoCo Vandeweghe.
While several high-profile names were included, a few familiar voices who have regularly featured on ESPN’s Grand Slam coverage appear set to miss the event.
Among those absent are World No. 2 Sinner’s current coach Darren Cahill, former American star Brad Gilbert, and one of the sport’s most prominent analysts and former doubles World No. 1, Rennae Stubbs. Several fans didn’t welcome the news with open arms, with one writing:
“BG gone, but Chrissie Evert still around. Christ man. And what qualifies Malika Andrews to be doing tennis? Turner needs the rights to every Slam ASAP.”
BG gone, but Chrissie Evert still around. Christ man
And what qualifies Malika Andrews to be doing tennis? Turner needs the rights to every Slam ASAP https://t.co/MJMPz50IpM
— Josh Gross (@josh3302) January 6, 2026
“No Brad Gilbert? No Darren Cahill? No Pam Shriver? The step decline of ESPN continues ,” another expressed.
“Where are Pam Shriver, Renee Stubbs, and Darren Cahill? You got rid of all 3 of them?” one asked.
MORE: Jannik Sinner’s Coach Darren Cahill Gets Honest on Future With World No.1
One fan expressed disappointment at Brad Gilbert’s absence, saying his insights were a significant reason they enjoyed ESPN’s tennis coverage. They wrote,
“No @bgtennisnation ??? One of the reasons I loved watching the tennis productions was. Shame on ESPN.”
No @bgtennisnation ??? One of the reasons I loved watching the tennis productions. Shame on espn
— Patrick (@PatrickD676) January 6, 2026
“@rennaestubbs where can we find you at ao. Love hearing all your fabulous insights,” a fan weighed in.
“What the actual hell; where is BG!” A fan said.
ESPN Deportes will deliver Spanish-language coverage of the Australian Open through a commentary team featuring Luis Alfredo Álvarez, José Luis Clerc, Eduardo Varela, and Daniel Orsanic, with Agostina Larroca serving as the on-site reporter.
The main draw begins on January 17 and concludes on January 28, before the semifinals take place on January 29 and 30. The women’s singles final is scheduled for January 31, followed by the men’s singles final on February 1.
