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Former tennis champ and Nine commentator Jim Courier had fans worried this week when he missed the start of the Australian Open on Sunday.
But rumours that the 54-year-old American was sitting out the prestige tournament have been set aside.
Jim was ready to take up his mic to call the shots at the AO on Friday for the Novak Djokovic and Tomas Machac stoush.
The Herald Sun reported that the fan favourite arrived safely in Melbourne ahead of the match after being delayed by the wildfires sweeping his home town of Los Angeles.
The report said that Jim had delayed his trip Down Under after concerns that his home in upscale Btentwood was under threat from the blaze.
Its now understood, the publication said, that Jim's family are safe.
Former tennis champ and Nine commentator Jim Courier had fans worried this week when he missed the start of the Australian Open on Sunday. Pictured: Courier - centre - at the Australian Open in 2024 with Italy's Jannik Sinner (left) and runner-up Russia's Daniil Medvedev
But rumours that the 54-year-old American was sitting out the prestige tournament have been set aside. Jim was ready to take up his mic to call the shots at the AO on Friday for the Novak Djokovic and Tomas Machac stoush
It comes after a source on Monday told The Age - owned by Nine - that Jim was stuck in LA because of the fires.
While the report says Courier's home was not impacted, he has stayed in the area to support affected family and friends.
He is expected to return to Australia and resume commentating duties, the report claims.
However, Channel Nine declined to comment when approached by The Age.
At least 24 people have been killed as catastrophic fires rage through Los Angeles for a fourth straight day, and the toll, sadly, is expected to rise as first responders continue to search through fire stricken areas.
More than 10,000 structures have been burned down, with a total of 29,053 acres of land scorched in one of Los Angeles' most horrific disasters to date.
A ferocious new wildfire erupted in the Hollywood Hills on Wednesday— sparking a mass evacuation of the iconic Hollywood Boulevard amid warnings that another 100,000 residents should be prepared to evacuate their homes.
The catastrophic blazes have already claimed the homes of a number of high-profile celebrities including Paris Hilton, Jon Goodman, Anthony Hopkins, and Billy Crystal.
The Herald Sun reported on Friday that the fan favourite arrived safely in Melbourne ahead of the match after being delayed by the wildfires sweeping his home town of Los Angeles. Pictured: Courier courtside in 2024 with Alex De Minaur (left) of Team Australia
The report said that Jim had delayed his trip Down Under after concerns that his home in upscale Btentwood was under threat from the blaze. Its now understood, the publication said, that Jim's family are safe. Pictured: A blaze near Encino, LA, on January 10
Courier previously hosted Australian Ninja Warrior alongside Leila McKinnon in 2020.
They were also joined by comedians Will McMahon and Woody Whitelaw, of the Will & Woody show on KIIS FM, acted as sideline commentators.
The show was previously hosted by Ben Fordham and Rebecca Maddern.
Viewers were less than impressed with Courier's performance.
Many shared their thoughts on social media when the show premiered at the time.
Several complaints arose because Courier is an American on an Aussie series.
'Jumping onto Twitter to check I'm not alone in cringing at the new lead commentator for #NinjaWarriorAU. Sorry @Channel9 but leave Jim Courier with the #AO. I miss Rebecca Maddern,' wrote one person.
'Why Jim Courier? So many Aussies could be standing there… what about Roy and HG?' one more wrote.
'It's weird having an American host on #NinjaWarriorAU. Nothing against Jim Courier, lol. It's just weird,' said someone else.
'Taking Votes for hosts on @NinjaWarriorAU... no offense to Jim Courier who is lovely, but what about an Aussie sporting legend?
'We have a few! #whyaUSAathlete #aussiesport #NinjaWarriorAU,' tweeted one more viewer.
However some viewers were happy. 'Love it. And Jim Courier as a commentator will be great,' wrote one viewer at the time.
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