Pam Shriver and Brad Gilbert depart ESPN after decades of commentary and analysis as broadcaster re-shapes team ahead of Australian Open

Ahead of the Australian Open, there is a shake-up at ESPN with some well-known faces set to not appear on the screens of tennis fans around the world. These include Pam Shriver and Brad Gilbert, who are set to end their long stints with the broadcaster ahead of the major event in Melbourne.

The pair have been main stays on ESPN for a matter of decades, voicing their opinions and analysis on numerous tennis events and players. However, they would be snubbed of featuring any further with ESPN naming its lineup for the event Down Under, with both Shriver and Gilbert noticeably left off.

Shriver had been working with EPSN since 1990, while Gilbert was there for a staggering 23 years. Both wrote messages of gratitude on social media. Shriver wrote: "Thanks for the 35+ amazing years. I recall AO 1990, after an early round loss, working for ESPN for the first time. I was prepared for more, but was told it was time to streamline." Gilbert kept it more simple and brief, typing: "Had a great 23 year run."

Shriver had began her time with ESPN back in 1990 after an early exit from the Australian Open. A previous US Open finalist at the age of just 16-years-old, she continued to play in the sport until 1996 when broadcasting and commentary called for her. Gilbert is a well respected coach, having overlooked the progress former Grand Slam champions such as Andre Agassi, Andy Roddick and Andy Murray. This gave him an advantage when analysing, picking out certain points only tennis coaches can dissect.

A spokesperson confirmed the departure news to Front Sports Office, as they stated the network was “grateful to them for their many years of collaboration.” It is a specific change for the Australian Open, with the lineups for the following three Grand Slams not yet finalised. "We regularly evolve our on-air teams," the spokesperson continued. "Talent assignments vary by event and year, and not every contributor appears at every tournament. This year's AO lineup reflects the specific coverage approach. We are still working on line-up plans for Wimbledon and US Open."

It follows a pattern of ESPN freshening their broadcast team up with new, younger talent. Shriver (63) and Gilbert (64) were obvious candidates to be replaced. The likes of Malika Andrews and Katie George will split hosting duties in Melbourne, with Andrews taking up the first week before Geroge brings it home in the second week of action-packed tennis.

Both the ATP and WTA Australian Open are highly anticipated events. In the men's event, the rivalry between Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner looks set to continue with both targeting another major final matchup. Sinner is the two-time defending champion, and goes into the event looking to get the world number one ranking back from Alcaraz who has never made it past the quarter-finals. Other challengers will also battle for the title, with 10-time champion Novak Djokovic looking for a unprecedented 25th Grand Slam championship.

For the women, it is a much more open competition with the winner possibly coming from anywhere. Two-time champion Aryna Sabalenka will be the favourite, but it will not be simple for the world number one to defend her title. The likes of Iga Swiatek, Amanda Anisimova, Coco Gauff, Jessica Pegula, Mirra Andreeva, Elana Rybakina and the current champion Madison Keys have solid chances of clinching the title, making it a hugely anticipated event. It will kick off from January 18 - February 1.