- Decision comes weeks after the Australian Open
Former Aussie tennis player turned commentator Alicia Molik is set to expand her media portfolio by becoming a TV sports presenter.
Molik, an integral member of Channel Nine’s commentary team, will transition from her long-time role, and become the weekend presenter for the 6pm bulletin in Perth.
The 45-year-old is replacing former AFL star Matthew Pavlich, who is now the chief executive of the Sydney Swans.
The 2004 Olympics bronze medallist has revealed she is looking forward to the challenge of the new role.
‘Sport is woven into the DNA of this city, and I look forward to connecting with our viewers every weekend,’ Molik told Nine.
‘Joining the 9News sport team is a natural fit.’
Aussie tennis legend Alicia Molik is set to expand her media portfolio by becoming a TV sports presenter with the Nine Network in Perth (pictured, with her husband Tim Sullivan)
Molik is one of Nine’s best tennis commentators – and will continue to work courtside at the Australian Open and Wimbledon
The 45-year-old (pictured) was also Australia’s Fed Cup captain between 2013 and 2023
Molik is seen as an ideal replacement for Pavlich – with the former Australian Open quarter-finalist a former ambassador of Perth’s Hopman Cup tournament.
She’s also become a reliable performer due to her appearances on Nine’s tennis broadcasts.
Molik also enjoyed a successful tennis career at her peak.
She achieved a career-high ranking of No.8 in the world in 2005, and won two Grand Slam doubles titles after turning professional in 1996 as a teenager.
Molik is set to make her presenting debut this weekend from 6pm.
The former tennis star will also continue covering the Australian Open and Wimbledon for the Nine Network courtside as a commentator.
9News Perth news director Michael Genovese labelled Molik a ‘world-class talent’, and described her addition to the sports team as a massive win for viewers.
‘With Paddy Sweeney leading our weekday coverage and Alicia anchoring our weekends, viewers will see Perth’s best sports coverage every day,’ he said.