Channel 9 ‘hopeful’ of poaching tennis commentators from rival network

Channel 9 says it’s hopeful of luring the likes of Lleyton Hewitt and Jim Courier to the network as part of its Australian Open coverage.

In a major shake-up, Channel 9 secured the broadcast rights to the grand slam from 2020.

Tom Malone, Channel Nine’s Director of Sport, spoke with Tom Elliott about the deal on Thursday.

He was asked whether they planned on poaching talent from Seven.

“I think people like Jim Courier and Lleyton Hewitt are terrific commentators and hopefully we can have a relationship with them,” Mr Malone said.

As for whether the decision to secure the tennis rights meant Channel 9 no longer wanted the cricket?

“Not necessarily,” Mr Malone said.

Click PLAY below to hear the full interview