Former Australian tennis champion turned commentator Alicia Molik is poised to significantly expand her media presence by taking on a new role as a television sports presenter. Molik, who has been a key member of Channel Nine's commentary team, will make a notable transition from her long-standing position to become the weekend presenter for the 6pm sports bulletin in Perth.
A Seamless Transition for a Sporting Veteran
The 45-year-old, who won a bronze medal at the 2004 Olympics, is set to replace former AFL star Matthew Pavlich, who has moved on to become the chief executive of the Sydney Swans. Molik has expressed her enthusiasm for this fresh challenge, highlighting the deep connection between sport and the city of Perth.
'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.'
An Ideal Replacement with Strong Local Ties
Molik is viewed as an ideal successor to Pavlich, thanks in part to her history as a former ambassador for Perth's Hopman Cup tournament. Her reliability and expertise have been demonstrated through numerous appearances on Nine's tennis broadcasts, where she has established herself as one of the network's top tennis commentators.
Beyond her media work, Molik enjoyed a highly successful tennis career, reaching a career-high world ranking of No. 8 in 2005 and winning two Grand Slam doubles titles after turning professional in 1996 as a teenager. She also served as Australia's Fed Cup captain from 2013 to 2023, adding to her extensive experience in the sport.
Continuing Dual Roles in Broadcasting
Despite her new presenting duties, Molik will continue to cover major tennis events for the Nine Network. She remains committed to working courtside as a commentator at the Australian Open and Wimbledon, ensuring that her expertise in tennis broadcasting remains a key part of her portfolio.
Molik is scheduled to make her presenting debut this weekend from 6pm, marking a significant step in her media career. The move has been warmly welcomed by Nine News Perth's leadership.
Leadership Praise for a World-Class Talent
9News Perth news director Michael Genovese hailed Molik as a 'world-class talent' and described her addition to the sports team as a major victory 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 stated, underscoring the enhanced quality and consistency this appointment brings to the network's sports programming.
This expansion of Molik's role underscores her versatility and enduring appeal in the sports media landscape, blending her athletic background with her growing prowess in television presentation.
