IT IS a clear but brisk 14 degrees Celsius in Orlando, Florida, and Jim Courier is equal parts excited and nervous.
That is because at the time we conducted this interview, the 44-year-old American tennis legend was set to become a father, with wife Susanna due to give birth within days.
Courier is a former World No. 1 with four Grand Slam titles to his credit but those past achievements will pale against the joy of being a first-time dad.
By the time Courier travels Down Under to commentate at the Australian Open for Channel Seven, he will have started a whole new phase of his life.
“We’re expecting a child any day now,” Courier says. “I imagine my feelings are exactly the same as any other father-to-be which is everything from excitement to trepidation — the whole gamut (of emotions).
“It won’t even compare (to winning a Grand Slam).”
Australia has a special place in Courier’s heart. It is where he won two of those four Grand Slams.
When Courier defeated Stefan Edberg to win the 1992 Australian Open, he made headlines by jumping into Melbourne’s murky Yarra River.
Aussie fans warmed to Courier’s laid back charm from the start and that love affair has continued after retirement.
Courier’s expert comments and post-match interviews have been a highlight of Seven’s telecast for a decade. He joined Seven’s team in 2005.
For Courier, the Australian Open has become a family affair.
“We love Australia,” Courier says. “Susanna was there last year. She brought her mother down. My father came down last year as well. They had a great time.
“Susanna won’t be there this year because we’re expecting a child any day now so by the time I get down to Australia, if everything goes well, I’ll be a father.
“I expect in 2016 we’ll have a brood down in Melbourne.”
The Australian Open is a chance for all the world’s top tennis players to make a fresh start and Courier can’t wait to see how the tournament plays out.
“Based on form coming out of the end of 2014, Novak Djokovic has asserted himself as the man to beat,” Courier says. “He has played so well in Australia, so I expect him to be favourite.
“Rafael Nadal and Juan Martin del Potro are both coming off an injury-riddled 2014. Will they be back to full speed? With Roger Federer it is a case of how long can he keep playing at the level we have grown accustomed to.
“On the women’s side, Li Na, the defending champion, is not coming back. Serena Williams, will she be able to regain the crown? She is always a favourite when she is healthy.
“There are a lot of great storylines for us to follow. It is always interesting at the beginning of the year where everyone is hopeful.”
Courier has kept busy since his retirement in 2000. He captains the USA Davis Cup team and plays in the PowerShares Series against other former tennis greats including John McEnroe and Andre Agassi.
Courier’s events company InsideOut Sport was recently acquired by Horizon Media. He has founded the non-profit Courier’s Kids to support inner-city tennis programs.
Commentary duties for Seven, Britain’s ITV, and a range of US TV networks fill in the gaps.
“It beats having a real job as far as I can tell,” Courier laughs. “I have been lucky enough to follow a passion and turn it into a career.
“Federer is the easiest player to interview because he’s so talkative, he’s so open. I want to give the players a chance to showcase their personalities.
“Susanna and I travel to all four of the majors and a few of the events in the PowerShares Series but we do have quite a bit of time that we’re able to be home.
“I’ve been in Orlando for about a month straight and I’ll be here until I leave for Australia in mid-January. I love to come down to Melbourne and talk a little tennis.”
AUSTRALIAN OPEN AT A GLANCE:
MAN TO BEAT: Novak Djokovic
INJURY QUERY: Rafael Nadal
FANS’ FOREIGN FAVE: Roger Federer
WE WILL MISS: Reigning women’s champ, the brilliant, but now-retired Li Na
KEEN FOR ANOTHER CROWN: Serena Williams
AUSTRALIAN OPEN TENNIS, MONDAY from 11AM, SEVEN
ncG1vNJzZmimlazAb6%2FOpmWarV%2Bau7Wx0a2Yoqadmru1e9OvZqOhnWKwsMHRopyrZZ%2Blsq%2B%2FjK6nZpmSpMK1edOepaeho2Kur7CMn5imoZyufK%2Bx1qxkrKyfp8ZwgJdqmW9rlm6uc3zEcG5wm2hpfnOAw3CbcGyUl4V3scU%3D