Matthew Perry, who used to play tennis in Canada, will host ESPY awards in Kodak Theatre in Hollywood.

The Friends star is an avid tennis player - he was nationally ranked as a teen in Canada - and has had a lifelong love of sports.

Matthew Perry still loves tennis and attends, wherever he can, to the matches played by his friend Jennifer Capriati.

Matthew Perry will replace Oscar-winning actor Jamie Foxx, who hosted the previous two years.

"This is my 10th ESPYs, and we’ve never had a more complete lineup, more compelling sports stories or a more enthusiastic host," says Maura Mandt, senior coordinating producer of the show.

"I have no doubt that the excitement and energy Matthew brings to everything he does will make the night something truly special for both avid and casual sports fans."

The ESPY Awards were created by ESPN in 1993 and are presented for the excellence in sports performance. The award honors the best performances, most memorable moments and, with the presentation of the Arthur Ashe Courage Award, those whose courage and conviction transcend sport.

Fans can vote for the categories via the Internet, beginning Friday, June 24.

The ESPY Awards will take place at the Kodak Theater on July 13 and will be broadcast four days later on ESPN. 

 Other news