As the tennis world gears up for the first Grand Slam of the year, ESPN has unveiled its on-air talent roster for the 2026 Australian Open, promising comprehensive coverage that blends seasoned expertise with fresh perspectives.
Announced on January 7, 2026, the lineup features a mix of veteran broadcasters, former players, and rising stars, ensuring fans get in-depth analysis and storytelling from Melbourne Park.
With every match available exclusively on the ESPN App through DTC or Pay TV authentication, the network aims to deliver an immersive viewing experience across its platforms.
Malika Andrews and Katie George join ESPN’s Australian Open coverage
Hosting duties will be split between two versatile ESPN personalities.
Katie George, a Louisville native who joined the network in 2019, will anchor the first week of the tournament. George’s career has been defined by her adaptability, covering a wide array of sports including college football, basketball, Formula 1, volleyball, softball, and lacrosse.
She currently serves as a sideline reporter for college football alongside Joe Tessitore and Jesse Palmer, and also handles NBA sideline assignments during the basketball season.
In a recent interview, George emphasized the importance of versatility in broadcasting, noting that specializing in one sport can make one “expendable.”
Her role at the Australian Open continues this trend, bringing her energetic style to tennis coverage.
Taking over for the second week, including the high-stakes championship weekend, is Malika Andrews, a 30-year-old rising star best known for her NBA work.
Andrews, who signed a multi-year extension with ESPN in September 2025, has become a fixture in basketball broadcasting. She hosts NBA Countdown, NBA Today, WNBA Countdown, and the NBA Draft, becoming the first woman to host the draft in 2022 and ESPN’s lead NBA studio host ahead of the 2023-24 season.
While Andrews has a basketball-heavy portfolio, she is a longtime tennis enthusiast, making this her debut in Grand Slam coverage.
ESPN Vice President of Production Linda Schulz highlighted Andrews’ addition, stating, “We’re excited about our Australian Open 2026 talent lineup. The goal was to combine strong storytelling with trusted voices. We are especially thrilled to welcome longtime tennis fan and accomplished host, Malika Andrews. With the addition of Andrews and Eubanks, and the return of Wozniacki, our coverage will provide a vast perspective on the sport of tennis.”
On the play-by-play side, ESPN has assembled a reliable team including Chris Fowler, Chris McKendry, Patrick McEnroe, Jason Goodall, and Mike Monaco. McKendry, a former SportsCenter anchor and previous lead studio host for the Australian Open, is transitioning to a more prominent play-by-play role this year, adding her depth of experience to match calls.
Analysis will come from an elite group of former professionals: John McEnroe, Chris Evert, Caroline Wozniacki, Mary Joe Fernandez, James Blake, Sam Querrey, Chris Eubanks, and CoCo Vandeweghe. Wozniacki, a former world No. 1 and 2018 Australian Open champion, returns to the booth after her recent comeback to professional tennis.
Eubanks, known for his breakthrough Wimbledon run in 2023, joins as a new analyst, bringing contemporary insights from his active career.
Kris Budden will provide on-site reporting, offering updates, interviews, and feature stories directly from the venue.
For Spanish-language viewers, ESPN Deportes will feature commentators Luis Alfredo Alvarez, Jose Luis Clerc, Eduardo Varela, and Daniel Orsanic, with Agostina Larroca handling reporting duties.
Who is out?
This year’s lineup marks some notable changes, with several familiar faces absent.
Pam Shriver, who contributed to ESPN’s tennis coverage for over 35 years, and Brad Gilbert, with 23 years at the network, will not return for the 2026 event. Shriver, a former top doubles player and respected analyst, reflected on social media: “Thanks for the 35+ amazing years. I recall AO 1990, after an early round loss, working for ESPN for the first time. I was prepared for more, but was told it was time to streamline.”
Gilbert, a renowned coach who has worked with stars like Andre Agassi and Coco Gauff, simply noted his “great 23 year run.”
Also missing are Darren Cahill, currently coaching two-time defending champion Jannik Sinner, and Rennae Stubbs.
ESPN has not officially commented on the reasons for these exclusions, but Shriver’s mention of “streamlining” suggests a shift toward a more concise team.
These departures have sparked discussions among fans, with some viewing it as a refresh to inject new energy, while others lament the loss of institutional knowledge.
The 2026 Australian Open kicks off with qualifiers from January 11-15, followed by the main draw from January 17-28. Semifinals are set for January 29-30, with the women’s singles final on January 31 and the men’s on February 1.
ESPN’s coverage will include live matches, studio shows, and expert breakdowns, continuing its tradition of wall-to-wall tennis action.
As the tournament approaches, this revamped team is poised to capture the drama, upsets, and triumphs that define the Australian Open, from emerging talents to established stars vying for glory Down Under.
