When TNT took over the U.S. coverage of the French Open, many were skeptical. The network hadn’t shown tennis since 2003, and NBC had been airing the tournament for nearly fifty years. TNT’s acquisition was perceived as a desperate attempt to fill the gap left by the loss of NBA rights.
However, the two weeks in Paris shifted this perspective, with many tennis fans expressing a desire for more tennis coverage from TNT. Alongside strong ratings, commentators Andre Agassi and Sam Querrey emerged as standout figures, and the studio set outside the main stadium became a popular spot for players such as women’s singles champion Coco Gauff, who made multiple appearances. While TNT’s efforts to mic players and coaches were insightful, they were limited and require further exploration for future coverage.
In an interview with Craig Barry, TNT Sports’ chief content officer, we discussed TNT’s decision to avoid calling the event the French Open, Andre Agassi’s potential return, and how TNT’s coverage compares to other Grand Slam tournaments. The interview has been edited for clarity.
Awful Announcing: How was your first French Open?
Craig Barry: Our focus was on creating a more engaging and enjoyable experience for fans. I’m not saying previous coverage was poor, but we saw a chance to innovate and elevate the sport. Achieving this is a significant milestone in my career.
Fans adored Andre Agassi’s commentary. Will he return, and will his role expand?
Barry: This was Andre’s first time broadcasting, and his advanced tennis IQ brought a unique level of analysis that appealed to both serious and casual fans. While he expressed interest in contributing further, I can’t speak for him. He approached this as an opportunity to try something new.
Have you discussed future roles with him?
Barry: No formal discussions yet; I simply thanked him and expressed how valuable his presence was.
Another successful addition was Sam Querrey. What led to his selection?
Barry: Initially, I saw him as decent but not extraordinary based on Tennis Channel clips. However, after listening to his podcast and exploring his social media, I recognized his authentic, opinionated style that fits well with what we aim for at TNT.
