Courier as a commentator

[Blocker]

For the past 7 or 8 years, Channel 7, the local broadcaster has had Jim Courier as its prime commentator for the AO. Before Courier, they had John McEnroe, for 1 year I think, and as interesting as he was as a player, I just found McEnroe as a commentator boring and old school. I was never a fan of Courier as a player, but I must say, I find his commentating very insightful and he's very well versed as far as the AO is concerned.

[fed_is_GOD]

Originally Posted by Blocker

For the past 7 or 8 years, Channel 7, the local broadcaster has had Jim Courier as its prime commentator for the AO. Before Courier, they had John McEnroe, for 1 year I think, and as interesting as he was as a player, I just found McEnroe as a commentator boring and old school. I was never a fan of Courier as a player, but I must say, I find his commentating very insightful and he's very well versed as far as the AO is concerned.

Agreed.. throw in Simon Reed too.. he does a fantastic job..

[forzamilan90]

Courier has a very nice voice and demeanor.

[Jeffrey573639]

+1. I think he's great

[Blocker]

Do countries outside Australia ever get Roger Rasheed as a commentator? Never made it as a pro but he used to coach Hewitt. He does special comments at the AO and he was criticised a few years back for getting the camera man to slow down a motion of Venus Williams' *** as she was serving, when she wore these dark coloured tight pants under her dress, and at first glass it appeared she was wearing nothing at all.

[Alchemy-Z]

Yeah I always like Jim's he always seems to hit on a variety of subjects

How the game went/how they think the next match will go/something about clothing equipment/other hobbies/funny stories etc.

[augustobt]

I love the interviews (and comments) that Jim does on the court.

[Candide]

I have to admit he has grown on me. I used to cringe at the passive aggressive nark-fest relationship he had with John Alexander on air. Don't miss Alexander but there has to be a better straight man (no pun intended) than Bruce.

[Bartelby]

Lleyton 'Why didn't I get Tomic's draw' Hewitt is a very good commentator and he'll be in action in Tomic v Federer.

Courier is a bit bland and cheesy and there's too much faux locker room banter, but yes the toxic JA now stinks up Parliament.

[Blocker]

Originally Posted by augustobt

I love the interviews (and comments) that Jim does on the court.

My favourite interview he did was with Federer the night he destroyed Roddick in the 2007 AO semi final 4 0 and 2. First question Jim asked Roger: "Why did you do it?" haha.

[Bartelby]

The guys who do the cycling on sbs should mentor the tennis yobs on seven.

[tennis_pro]

He's a better interviewer IMO but still a very good commentator.

[Kilco]

It's (Gilles) Simon, not Simone courier you twat!

[slickerthansleek]

The Channel 7 commentators are appalling, but Jim Courier is pretty good. You just know he wants to facepalm every time Bruce McAvaney says something stupid, but he usually turns it around pretty smoothly and provides insightful commentary. He has a nice voice, too.

It'll be good when Lleyton retires and joins the commentary team, he makes a great commentator also. Listening to Lleyton and Jim commentate a match would be a pleasant experience, unlike listening to Rennae Stubbs and Sam Smith.

[RAFA2005RG]

The only thing I don't like about Courier is his voice. Get rid of that and no problem.

[Mustard]

Jim Courier is a great commentator. I haven't heard Lleyton Hewitt commentating yet.

[ruerooo]

Originally Posted by Blocker

Do countries outside Australia ever get Roger Rasheed as a commentator? Never made it as a pro but he used to coach Hewitt.

Isn't he coaching Monfils now? I thought that was what I heard.

[dhdriver]

Originally Posted by ruerooo

Isn't he coaching Monfils now? I thought that was what I heard.

I thought they split and now Rasheed coaches Tsonga.

Anyways, I like Courier as an interviewer. It seems like some players like to have fun when responding to his answers.

As for Hewitt, love his commentary, especially when he has a lot input on players he has played before (like when Roddick played Wawrinka in 2010 at the Aussie Open). Great analysis from Hewitt.

[Monsieur_DeLarge]

I've never taken to his on-court interviews, but I really enjoyed his post-match analysis at last year's French Open for ITV. I suspect I'd like his commentary. I was always a fan of Peter Fleming as well, who I think has a similar, laconic style. Plus the Goodall-Koenig double-act, naturally.

I've always felt the golden rule of tennis commentary is "less is more". So for all you posters moaning about whoever makes you claw at your ears with their incessant blabbing, I give you a taste of the late Dan Maskell:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QSJUOTOESJQ

That link is to an Evert vs Mandlikova match at Wimbledon from 1986, and it's 30-30 before he says anything. Anything at all. Not a word for the first three points. Think Pam Shriver or Patrick McEnroe could manage that?


Regards,
MDL

[DRII]

Courier is pretty articulate, w/o the commensurate intelligence...