ESPN college reporter Kris Budden covers football, basketball and baseball and recently made her debut last year on Grand Slam tennis coverage at the 2024 US Open.
On Thursday, Jan. 9, Budden covered Penn State as a radio sideline reporter during the Orange Bowl in Miami. The next morning, she flew to Melbourne, Australia to hit the ground running, covering her first Australian Open.
In the video below, Budden explains how she tackles her game prep, a hectic travel itinerary, the 16-hour time difference between countries, and keeps up with family life back in Fort Worth, Texas.
In the video below, Budden reveals which ESPN commentator she leans on for expert advice and guidance and talks about how she transitions from sport to sport.
Budden answered more questions for Front Row.
How has your experience at the US Open prepared you for the Australian Open?
A ton. Tennis is so different than every other sport I cover. Simple example: There’s no clock in this sport. You have no idea what your workday looks like and how long you’ll be there. The night matches could go three sets or five sets. There are also up to 17 matches going on at the same time, and part of my role is bouncing from court to court to get post-match interviews. That was a big learning curve my first few days at the US Open. I also think the more time you spend around coaches and players, the better those relationships become, which is significant in my role.
What are you looking forward to the most?
The tennis. I grew up playing and watching this sport. My husband and I met playing tennis. So it’s been a big part of our family. Getting to cover the sport’s biggest championships is something I always dreamed about.
Are there any must-see sights on your agenda?
I’d love to walk around Queen Victoria Market, eat, shop and people watch. I’ve been to Australia once before, and the thing that stands out with how wonderful the people are here.
Spencer T. Jackson produced the videos
For more on ESPN’s Australian Open coverage, visit ESPN Press Room
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