Seven-time grand slam champion John McEnroe is the big-name signing for the Nine Network’s maiden Australian Open commentary team.

The new broadcast rights holder for the year’s first major has also poached long-time Seven commentators Jim Courier and Todd Woodbridge for the 2019 edition, Channel Nine announced.

Other past and present Australian tennis players to sign with the free-to-air network for the tournament include Alicia Molik, Jelena Dokic, Sam Groth and Dylan Alcott.