2012 Australian Open: Seven's team
Johanna Griggs
Host
Johanna Griggs is a genuine sports fanatic. Her love of tennis makes the Australian Open for her the
best fortnight of sport in Australia each year. Every year she adds new favourite memories to her list.
"I absolutely adored interviewing Kim Clijsters after her win last year. She is always so lovely and we had her good friend and one of our gun commentators Rennae Stubbs in the studio as well. It was so lovely and relaxed and as I threw to the break, they just hugged each other in sheer joy. It was a privilege to be there."
Joh expects the winner of the Norman Brookes trophy will come from Federer, Nadal, Djokovic and Tsonga.
"To win... flip a coin. Federer finished off 2011 in style, is hungry and loves playing in Australia. And Djokovic is the king right now."
On the women's side, she feels the winner will come from Petra Kvitova, Sam Stosur, Victoria Azarenka and Kim Clijsters.
"Sam Stosur will win because I’d love to see her continue her success from last year and win a major in Australia."
Joh believes the atmosphere, quality of the matches and all-round entertainment is "awesome" at the Australian Open and she says she can’t wait for the event to begin. "The second the Melbourne Cup Carnival ended, I thought, 'Yay that means the tennis is next. It doesn’t come around quick enough for me. It’s the perfect start to each year."
Johanna's passion for sport is only natural. She was just 16 when selected for the Auckland Games, where she won bronze
in the 100m backstroke. She was also the first Australian female swimmer to break the 30 second barrier for the 50m backstroke.
After retiring from swimming in May 1993, Johanna joined Seven. She went on to become Seven’s first female (and youngest ever)presenter of the weekend sports news, and has co-hosted a huge range of events such as Olympic Sunrise during the Sydney Olympics, the Medibank International, Australian Open tennis, numerous summer and winter Olympics as well as shows such as Sportsworld and Auction Squad. And of course she is currently a much-loved co-host on the top-rating Better Homes and Gardens and the weekend sport presenter for Seven News in Sydney.
Matt White
Host
Matt White loves the Australian Open because it's a world class event with truly global reach,
yet it retains a uniquely 'Aussie' feel.
"Melbourne is in full swing, the crowds and venue are amazing and there is no better way to start the year and the season," Matt says.
"I love the routine, the on-air fun, walking along the Yarra on the way to Melbourne Park first thing in the morning - and then watching the best tennis players in the world get down to business. It’s an exhausting but exhilarating way to start the year."
He believes it will be hard to topple the big four in 2012 on the men's side of the tournament. "I always think Roger is a fair bet simply because his preparation, record and legend say so. But, if Novak gets off to a good start he should be able to finish it off in week two."
Matt feels the women’s title is always a hard one to pick because no single player dominated the women’s field last year.
"Kim Clijsters and Petra Kvitova should be in the mix - but I'm convinced 2012 will be Sam Stosur's title. Sam's confidence will be soaring. The pressure is off and hopefully she will cut loose at her home event."
Matthew's career in journalism began as a reporter at The Manly Daily, which led to his start in broadcast journalism, presenting the news on NEWFM in Newcastle. Matthew's love of sport and natural ability in front of the camera landed him the role of weekend sports presenter with NBN Newcastle.
He later became the host of Channel Ten's sports program Sports Tonight. Matthew also has extensive experience in
anchoring and commentating major sports events and telecasts such as the V8 Supercars, Tri-Nations and Bledisloe Cup Rugby, Formula One Motor Racing, the Melbourne Cup, the IronMan Series, US Open Golf tournaments, AFL Grand Finals, the 2004 Athens Olympics, 2006 Torino Olympics and 2008 Beijing Olympics. Matt is also the host of the east coast edition of Today Tonight.
Hamish McLachlan
Host
Hamish McLachlan comes from a strong sporting background with management and broadcast experience on a national and international level with sports including AFL and the Olympics.
Over the past four years Hamish has hosted Channel 7's AFL Game Day alongside some of the biggest names in the
game including Leigh Matthews, Matthew Richardson and Tim Watson. Hamish has also featured in Channel 7's Melbourne
Cup Carnival racing coverage and provided commentary at the Australian Open tennis.
A lover of sport since childhood, Hamish was a talented and highly rated tennis player during his teenage years but a serious knee injury put paid to his ambitions on the court.
Hamish provided some detailed analysis when asked about men's winner in 2012: "The big three in the men remain a few lengths ahead of the pack. The record by these three in Slams is simply outrageous, only del Potro has won a Slam outside of these three men in so long it is mind boggling."
Hamish says Roger Federer is the man. "Raffa has lost his 'I'm a wall and you won't get it past me and I don't make errors aura', and remarkably, is mentally fragile against the Joker (Djokovic).
"I may be clutching at straws, but the Joker finished his 'freak year' – the ninth best of all time in regard to percentage wins – so badly it was remarkable. He looked physically, mentally and emotionally spent. I think it will be tough to bounce back immediately."
Hamish says this leaves "the GOAT" – "The Greatest Of All Time".
"It is Roger for me at Rod Laver. Gee I love the Fed Express. My Smokey is Tsonga who is capable of blasting anyone off the court when he is 'on'."
And as for his favourite moment from last year's Open, Hamish nominates commentating with Henri Leconte. "He's a man who sees tennis, in fact life, from a very different perspective. If you'd never met him and walked into the commentary box you’d be excused for thinking he was drunk."
Todd Woodbridge
Commentator
AFTER six years in the commentary box at the Australian Open, Todd takes over the hosting chair for The 125th Championships, Wimbledon.
He is an engaging and insightful performer on air and has fast become a favourite with viewers. His post-match interview with Kim Clijsters at The Australian Open this year, in which he speculated about her being pregnant, was one of the light-hearted moments of the tournament.
As a player Todd’s record at Wimbledon is remarkable. He won the doubles’ title nine times and achieved his career high singles ranking of 19 after reaching the semi-finals of Wimbledon in 1997. In all he claimed 83 ATP tournament doubles titles, an all-time record.
“It’s a great honour to host our coverage,” Todd says.
“I can't wait to give the viewers at home an intricate perspective of the Championships. Our commentary team has so much experience and success at the Championships, that inner knowledge of the pressures, traditions and expertise of playing on grass will make great viewing.”
John Newcombe
Expert commentary
The former World No.1 has an imposing 45-14 win-loss record at the Australian Open, winning the men’s singles
in 1973 and 1975. He also collected five Australian Open doubles titles in 1965, 1967, 1971, 1973 and 1976,
partnering with Tony Roche in four of them.
John says he loves the friendliness of the Australian Open.
At the 2012 Open, John is looking forward to many questions being answered:
"Can Federer make a move on the No.1 spot? Can Djokovic recover from what his body and mind went through in 2011?
How will Nadal respond to what Djokovic did to him in 2011? Will Murray take one more step? Can Sam Stosur finally get a good start to the year? Will Kim Clijsters stay healthy?"
When quizzed for a winner in the men’s tournament, John says:
"Djokovic is struggling with his body and mind after a fantastic but gruelling 2011. Nadal is struggling with his self-belief after being belted by Djokovic six times. Murray has yet to believe he can cross the final line. My money is on Federer who finished the year fresh and strong. He will make a serious move to get back to No.1 by end July."
But he believes the women’s field is wide open as it was in 2011.
“Serena, Stosur and Clijsters will be the ones to watch. As I would love to see Sam start off the year great I will pick her.”
Last year John loved seeing Li Na reach the final.
"She attended my Texas Tennis Ranch for six months as a 16 year old and her rise is great for tennis in China which means so much for world tennis."
Rennae Stubbs
Commentator
Rennae Stubbs has won four Grand Slam doubles titles, two Grand Slam mixed doubles titles
and represented Australia at four successive Olympic Games, but holds the Australian Open
dear after her triumphant year in 2000.
"As pros we play tournaments throughout the year, all around the world and don’t ever spend any time at home playing. So when we get the privilege of having a Grand Slam title in our backyard, we treasure it even more, we are so fortunate to have that opportunity.
"I love the atmosphere round the grounds and the centre court is awesome, especially at night. The love of sport in Australia is so evident every day at the Australian Open and the crowds make it special."
Rennae's favourite memory from last year's Open – in addition to covering the "truly special" women's final – was getting the chance to thank those that made a difference in her career. "I also played my last two matches on centre court, so I was very fortunate to have that experience again."
This year Rennae is looking forward to the nail-biting action and the tears of the competitors. "I love the human element of sports and tennis shows that human element so well."
In particular Rennae hopes Sam Stosur can show Australia in person what winning a slam is like, while she’s also looking forward to another comeback from Serena and Kim, the emergence of Petra Kvitova and the performance of Wozniaki
– not to mention the "big boys" battling it out to see who really is number 1.
"Bottom line, I am just looking forward to sitting down and watching two weeks of awesome tennis. There’s nothing better than January in Melbourne."
She has recorded more double triumphs than any other Australian woman—60 WTA Tour titles —enjoying success with 11 different partners. She also won two mixed doubles Grand Slam titles with male partners. In 2001, Stubbs won the season-ending WTA Championships with regular partner Lisa Raymond and the pair was named ITF World Champions.
Sam Smith
Expert commentary
Great Britain’s Sam Smith has turned an impressive career as a player into an outstanding one as a broadcaster.
A former No. 1 British women’s singles player, Sam has been a member of the Eurosport, Sky Sports, BBC Radio and BBC TV
tennis commentary teams.
In 2012, she joins the Channel 7 summer of tennis team for the fourth time at the Brisbane, Medibank International and Australian Open tournaments.
The Australian Open has a special place in Sam's heart as she first came over to play the juniors and senior qualifying at 16 in 1988, the first year of Melbourne Park.
"I even got to watch the Graf v Evert Final live. It was the best tennis experience I’d had to that point and decided there and then I wanted to become a professional tennis player."
This year Sam is looking forward to the reception Sam Stosur receives when she steps out on to Rod Laver for her first match.
"Also I want to see how Petra Kvitova copes with Serena and Clijsters playing at the top of their games. The women’s
tournament is fascinating. In the mix to win it will be Serena, Clisters, Kvitova, Stosur and Azarenka with Kvitova to win."
In her playing days just some of her achievements included reaching the fourth round at Wimbledon in 1998 where she
picked up an ankle injury that meant two operations and four months in plaster. She won the ITF tournaments at Nottingham in 1995 (singles and doubles) and Frinton-on-Sea in 2000. She represented Great Britain in the Federation Cup and European Cup in 1991 and 1996–1999. She was unbeaten in the five singles matches in the 1997 Federation Cup.
Bruce McAvaney
Commentator
In 2012 Bruce McAvaney again steps into the commentary box after an extended stint of hosting at the Australian Open. And as always Bruce is excited to see "the world's best in fierce combat seeking one of the great titles in world sport".
"Each and every day has a storyline and produces a mix of thrilling matches, shocking upsets and ultimately, triumph for two champions. Melbourne thrives on the occasion, it's a magic fortnight," Bruce says.
He points out that Federer, Nadal and Djokovic have won 30 of the last 34 majors, while the other principal chance, Andy Murray, is yet to break through with a Grand Slam title.
"They're the big four for Melbourne. DelPotro and Tsonga lead the next group. I’m tipping Djokovic, but any one of the four wouldn’t surprise me."
Unlike the men, Bruce says it's unpredictable on the women's side. "Six of the last seven majors have been won by different women. Stosur won the most recent and looks ready to make an impact. Kvitova is the most lethal of the up and comers. Serena and Kim have won eight of the last 13 between them, but there’s some concern over their fitness and motivation. I'll pick Kvitova, but there are many chances."
When it comes to sports broadcasting in Australia, Bruce has no equal. No one matches his depth of knowledge, dedication to the job or extensive preparation.
Jim Courier
Commentator
Jim Courier's name is synonymous with the Australian Open and Melbourne Park. From his unique celebratory
jump in the Yarra River after winning his two titles, to his always entertaining and informative expert analysis,
Courier has become a popular feature of the Channel 7 broadcast.
When asked who will win the men’s title in 2012, the four-time Grand Slam winner says not to look past the top
three or four players.
"It takes something special to break through against the top three. Murray's been knocking but just hasn't been able to get through the door yet. My dark horses for 2012 are Del Potro, Isner and your young Aussie hopeful Bernard Tomic, and that's not just a gratuitous answer for the locals."
Jim looks forward to seeing if Federer can keep his momentum from the 2011 fall and get another major. "2011 was his first year without a major title in a long time so I'm sure he'll be very motivated."
On the women's side of the draw Jim has a question mark around injury fitness of the top players. "Serena is the clear
favorite if she stays healthy. Kvitova is my second pick along with Clijsters assuming everyone is healthy. Sorry to have to categorize it that way, but injuries have been a real struggle for many of the top ladies."
Jim has many wonderful memories of the Australian Open, not least jumping in the Yarra twice – albeit he has vowed never to do it again. "I've been to many Australian Opens now both as a player and commentator and it’s such a wonderful way to kick off the year," he says.
Jim won 23 career titles, including two Australian Opens (1992,1993) and two French Opens (1991, 1992). He was also the
runner-up at the US Open (1991), the French Open (1993)and Wimbledon (1993) and spent a total of 58 weeks as the
top-ranked player in the world, having first ascended there aged 21 in 1992.
Jim began his television career in the US in 2001 as an analyst during TNT and CNN/Sports Illustrated’s coverage of Wimbledon. He also served as an analyst for NBC Sports' coverage of the 2004 Athens Olympics and has been a member of the Channel 7 commentary team at the Australian Open since 2005.
Lleyton Hewitt
Commentator
Former World No.1 and two-time Grand Slam winner Lleyton Hewitt has been awarded a wildcard into the 2012 Australian Open.
So Aussie tennis fans will be hoping he’s not available for duties in the commentary box, however should he bow out along the way, viewers will again be treated to some of the most insightful and current thinking on the game today.
Lleyton's commentary debut in 2011 was widely praised as a great success.
Lleyton says it was an enjoyable and interesting experience in the Seven commentary box, particularly being able to watch the match from a different perspective and position on court.
Looking towards the 2012 Australian Open Lleyton says: "Of course my main focus will be on my own on court
performances, however if I am commentating again, I hope to give the viewers a differing insight into today's game.
"Being a current player and understanding what they deal with on court today, I hope to relay to the viewers just what it is like out there on court."
But viewers can rest assured winning the Australian Open means just as much to Lleyton as ever.
"Being a Grand Slam it is what all players aspire to win, and being in your home country makes it even more special.
Henri LeConte
Commentator
After a stunning debut in the Australian Open commentary box in 2010 as a special guest, Henri returned last year and continued to entertain audiences with his flair and energy.
Henri turned orthodox commentary on its head as he helped audiences live the big moments in the match between France's Jo-Wilfried Tsonga and Spain's Nicolas Almagro.
The eccentric Frenchman is effusive about his love for Australia.
"I love the Australian Open. I love Australia, it feels like home mate. It's maybe better than Paris. It's a great event and well organised. I love the Aussies and the Spice Market is the best place to be in Melbourne. C'mon mate."
Henri has many great memories at The Australian Open: "Maybe the best one is when I played Guy Forget after we won the Davis Cup in 1991. We had to play first round at the Open and that was one of the best matches in the Open. I did lose but at the end we'd had a good time."
At this early stage Henri believes it's very difficult to say who will win the 2012 men's title. "I think that Roger is coming back strong after the Masters in London. My feeling also is I hope Jo-Wilfried Tsonga can play as well as at the end of 2011. So why not a French boy winning the Open?" he asks.
As always Henri is looking at having a great time at the Open with some great matches. “We will have some good surprise winners from anywhere. 2012 will be a great year of tennis and I hope better than 2011. I just wish all the Aussies to have a great time at the 2012 Open. Be there."
Henri first came to the tennis world’s attention as an outstanding junior who won the French Open junior title in 1981. The peak of his professional career came in the mid to late 1980s when he reached two Grand Slam singles semi-finals at the French Open and Wimbledon (both in 1986), as well as the single's final at the French in 1988. His career-high singles ranking was No. 5.
Leconte retired from the professional tour in 1996, having won a total of nine career singles titles and ten doubles titles.
In 2005 he participated in La Ferme Célébrités season 2, a game of reality TV. In 2007, his son Maxime also participated in a game of reality TV, Secret Story, the French version of Big Brother.
Nicole Bradtke
Commentator
As a veteran on the Australian women’s tennis scene, Nicole Bradtke is effusive about the tennis stories that come out of the Australian Open and confident in predicting the winners.
"Djokovic will win the men's title, he's got a taste for Grand Slams now and his last few months have been low key. Federer, Nadal and Murray are obviously all in the mix and DelPotro is a bit of a dark horse"
"Sam Stosur will win it because she won the last Grand Slam so her obviously her form is good. Wozniacki, Azarenka, Sharapova and Serena will also be around the mark."
"Last year's highlight for me was Kim winning, it was her first Australian Open title and it's just nice to see that nice girls can finish first."
"I'm looking forward to seeing how Sam goes, and while not on the bigger scale of things I'm interested to see how junior Wimbledon winner Ashleigh Barty progresses at this year's Open."
Nicole hit her first ball at the age of five and started playing professionally at 15. She won three singles and nine doubles titles with career highlights including a semi-final appearance at the 1988 French Open and a bronze medal with Rachel McQuillan at the 1992 Olympics. She also won two mixed-doubles Grand Slams with Mark Woodforde – the 1992 US Open and 1993 Australian Open.
Bradtke reached the top 30 in early 1989, before making further fourth rounds at the 1989 Australian Open and the 1990 French Open and winning her first title at home in Brisbane in 1992.
She won her second tour title in Kuala Lumpur in 1993 and reached the fourth round of the Australian Open. She also earned her biggest career victory during that year, beating World No. 1 Steffi Graf in a Fed Cup tie. Bradtke later helped Australia to reach the final, where they lost to the Spanish team.
Nicole represented Australia in the Federation Cup for eight years from ‘88 to ‘95, when she took over as coach. Since retiring, Nicole has coached some of Australia’s most promising female players, including Alicia Molik and Sam Stosur.
John Fitzgerald
Commentator
This will be John Fitzgerald's 17th year providing expert commentary for Channel 7's summer of tennis.
"This far out I'm an unashamed Federer fan and there's a strong argument to say he starts favourite. Now that depends of course on the Djokovic injury and the form of Nadal.
"I'm a little less sure about who will win the women's. Sam Stosur is definitely in the mix, the surface should suit her as it's similar to the US Open. Let’s hope she can get a good start. But Serena always starts favourite for me, the law of averages says she'll be thereabouts."
"This far out I'm an unashamed Federer fan and there's a strong argument to say he starts favourite. Now that depends of course on the Djokovic injury and the form of Nadal.
"I'm a little less sure about who will win the women's. Sam Stosur is definitely in the mix, the surface should suit her as it's similar to the US Open. Let's hope she can get a good start. But Serena always starts favourite for me, the law of averages says she'll be thereabouts."
"My favourite memory from last year is the men's final, it was the start of a memorable run for Djokovic."
"I love the evolution of the tournament, it just gets better and better every year. This will be the last year before the future development starts happening and every year the crowds bet bigger and better."
As a player, his greatest career highlights came during the 11 years he represented Australia in the Davis Cup. During this time he well and truly made his mark on Australian tennis. He played three finals and played a major role in defeating Sweden in both the 1983 and 1986 finals at Kooyong.
John also held the No.1 ranking in Australia, represented his country in two Olympics (Seoul and Barcelona), won six ATP Tour singles titles, 30 ATP Tour doubles titles (including seven Grand Slam titles) and received the Order of Australia Medal in 1993 for services to tennis.
In 2001, John became only the fourth Australian Davis Cup captain in the past 60 years and took the team to two finals.
Roger Rasheed
Commentator
Roger's impressively varied career means he has seen the best of world tennis from all angles, especially when it comes to the Australian Open.
In the race for the 2012 men's title, Roger says it comes down to the top four but we should throw del Potro into calculations too as he's had a great 12 months.
Last year Roger enjoyed seeing the emergence of Li Na in the women's final and also seeing Kim take out her first Australian Open title.
"It was fantastic to see Li Na in the final right here on the doorstep to her home country which is such an important
region for tennis. And I’ve known Kim a long time so it was very rewarding to see her win."
As a player, Roger was 16 when he became the youngest player to qualify for the men’s singles in his home Grand Slam. It took 10 years for a player to take this mantle – a teenager by the name Lleyton Hewitt, who Roger went on to coach.
Under Roger, Lleyton rose from world No.19 to No.2, and played in two Grand Slam finals, including the epic performances that led to the final of the 2005 Australian Open in which he lost to Marat Safin. Roger also coached the Australian Davis Cup team in 2006.
In addition to his coaching roles, Roger became a voice of authority on radio and TV, first hosting a sports program on
Adelaide radio station FIVEaa and covering Wimbledon for BBC Radio. Now he is an integral part of Seven's commentary team.
Allan Stone
Commentator
Former Australian Open doubles champion Allan Stone has been commentating tennis on Channel 7 for more than 30 years and has been involved at more than 50 Opens as a player or commentator.
Allan believes the world’s top four Djokovic, Nadal, Federer and Murray all have claims on the men’s title in 2012.
"If Djokovic is fully fit he’s my choice."
And of course like everyone Allan will be watching with keen interest to see if Bernard Tomic can continue his impressive rise up the rankings. “He has the ability to be a top 10 player,” he says.
Last year Allan’s tournament highlight was commentating on the record-breaking 4-hour, 44-minute women’s match between
Italian Francesca Schiavone and Russian Svetlana Kuznetsova, and he believes this year is the most open women’s singles draw in many years.
"Any of the top eight could win, but I’m tipping Stosur as she has demonstrated she can win at Grand Slam level now."
As a player Allan toured the world for 16 years and notched up 11 doubles titles along the way – including the 1968 and 1977 Australian Open. He also represented Australia in four Davis Cup campaigns and reached both the doubles and mixed doubles at Wimbledon in 1975.
After his retirement, Allan became a permanent member of the Channel 7 broadcast team and has commentated at most major
tennis events.
As well as his involvement in Seven's tennis coverage, Allan has been Head Tennis Coach at the Victorian Institute of Sport (1996–2000), coach at the National Training Centre in Melbourne Park, Vice President of the Australian Davis Cup Foundation and a selector for the Australian Davis Cup and Olympic teams.
Kerryn Pratt
Commentator
As her former hometown it’s special for Kerryn to have the first Grand Slam of the year in Melbourne. She knows firsthand how well the city showcases a big event.
She also enjoys the sense of anticipation about how each player will start the new year.
This year Kerryn can’t wait to see Sam Stosur perform at her best at the Open.
"The pressure is great no doubt, but in winning the US Open Sam displayed incredible maturity and composure that I’m hoping she can bring to the court at her home Slam. Then the results she wants will follow."
But Kerryn says there are many women in the mix who could step up and win.
"2011 saw four different Slam champions, with no one player dominating. Sam Stosur, Petra Kvitova, Kim Clijsters and Serena Williams are on my shortlist for the title, with last years finalist Li Na, Maria Sharapova, Caroline Wozniacki and Victoria Azarenka up there as well."
As to who will win, Kerryn says Sam Stosur has some hurdles to overcome given her losing record against Kvitova, Clijsters, Azarenka and even Sharapova – but she says Sam is capable of overcoming all of them.
Geoff Masters
Commentator
Geoff Masters joined the pro tennis circuit in 1969 and retired in 1980, including winning the Australian Open doubles title in 1974 with Ross Case. In all he won 26 doubles titles throughout his career including a US Open mixed and a prized Wimbledon triumph.
He enjoyed singles success with three titles including the Australian Hardcourt Championships, Tasmanian Championships
and Australian Indoor Championships. He also represented Australian in Davis Cup with a favourable 8-4 win-loss record.
In recent times he has worked as head coach at the Queensland Academy of Sport working with current player Bernard Tomic. He has worked at the Australian Open as a TV commentator as well as radio commentary work.
Geoff says the Australian Open has become recognised as the “friendliest” Grand Slam by most of the players, and for good reason.
"The organisers have always made it their goal to embrace the true spirit of Australians, even embracing the colour blue of the courts with our "true blue" mateship attitude.
"With constant upgrading, including a 3rd court with a cover on the way, the Australian Open has gone from strength to
strength over the last decade, while never losing sight of our great tennis heritage.
Geoff believes the 2012 Australian Open will bring opportunities for us all to savour the outstanding qualities again of the established super-stars, the emerging stars, and the possibility that in Sam Stosur Australians have a genuine contender to follow in the women's field.
"On top of that, the excitement shown at Wimbledon in 2011 by the performances of Bernard Tomic in reaching the quarter finals of the singles, as well as the junior performances of Ash Barty and Luke Saville will bring local interest to perhaps an all-time high. Go the Aussies!"
Peter Donegan
Commentator
Peter Donegan is one of Australia’s most respected sports presenters and commentators. He has covered the full spectrum of world sport, including five Olympic Games, two Commonwealth Games, AFL Grand Finals, the prestigious Stawell Gift and major golf and tennis tournaments both at home and abroad.
With all that rich sports broadcasting experience, he acknowledges the special place Kooyong holds in Australian
sport and tennis.
"There are a couple of things that make the AAMI Classic a great lead in to the Open. First, Kooyong just oozes history, and you can almost sense the Australian Opens and Davis Cups of years gone by when you walk into the place.
"And secondly, the players are in a reasonably relaxed frame of mind. They may be tuning up for Melbourne Park, but coming off a Christmas break, the body and mind being refreshed usually makes for an enjoyable week for both the competitors and the fans."
Peter says the field, as always, is exceptionally strong. "Andy Roddick has won this event three times, and his unpredictability makes for great entertainment. Bernard Tomic continues to impress, and by reaching the quarters at Wimbledon in 2011, he showed he could be on the verge of a breakthrough year."
Looking towards the Australian Open men's title Peter believes the big three, Federer, Nadal and Djokovic are the obvious chances, but the wildcard is Gael Monfils. "If he ever gets the planets to align with his physical and mental game, watch out!"
However Peter says Djokovic should be fresh after the year end break. “He came to Melbourne last year fitter than he’s ever been, played accordingly, and continued in that vein for most of the year. Nadal and Federer have been written off by the critics for various reasons, and generally prove them wrong. Maybe third time lucky for Murray, but the demons of past defeats in Melbourne are growing."