Tennis fans call for BBC to axe commentator after Wimbledon final
The BBC has faced calls to remove one of its Wimbledon commentators after a slew of complaints were posted on social media.
Former British No. 1 player Andrew Castle was commentating on the men's singles final between Italy's Jannik Sinner and Spain's Carlos Alcaraz on Sunday, July 13.
The 61-year-old has regularly featured in the broadcaster's Wimbledon coverage, having appeared as a player in the 1980s, WalesOnline reports.
The pre-match build-up and analysis for the clash featured insights from former players Tim Henman, Todd Woodbridge, John McEnroe and Pat Cash, alongside host Clare Balding. However, the handover to the commentary team saw Castle take over, prompting a flood of posts online.
One viewer complained: "Why oh why do the BBC put Andrew Castle on lead commentary for the Men's Singles final every year, he's terrible. My ears have already start to bleed."
Another agreed: "Massive build up to this #WimbledonFinal and then BBC put Andrew Castle on commentary. Way to kill the match for me before it even starts."
A third commented: "Wow Andrew Castle is so bad he is already trending internationally," noted a fan. "Heart sinks when I hear the words '... and your commentator is Andrew Castle'. Ruins enjoyment of every match. @BBCSport needs to cut the chord."
Another added: "Andrew Castle being given such an important role in this final after all of the complaints about him in the semi is embarrassing. He really adds zilch to the commentary booth."
Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community!
Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today.
You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland.
No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team.
All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in!
If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'.
We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like.
To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'.
If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
Castle's role at Wimbledon had already been discussed during this year's tournament, particularly after 1992 champion Andre Agassi joined the commentary team for the semi-final match between Alcaraz and Taylor Fritz of the USA. The change saw several positive reactions from fans who preferred his views over Castle's.
Australian player Nick Kyrgios, known for being outspoken, appeared to share the same opinion. In 2024, he took issue with comments made by Castle on-air about Fritz and Alexander Zverev, claiming they were disrespectful.
This year's BBC TV coverage saw a stellar team of pundits assembled, with Martina Navratilova, Billie Jean King, Tracy Austin, and Annabel Croft also providing discussion, joined by other commentators including Andrew Cotter, Jo Durie, Anne Keothavong and Nick Mullins.
A further line-up of experts on BBC Radio 5 Live featured Marion Bartoli, Kim Clijsters, Laura Robson, Greg Rusedski, Naomi Broady, Daniela Hantuchova, and Leon Smith.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
BBC News
36 minutes ago
- BBC News
John Torode sacked as MasterChef presenter
John Torode has been sacked as MasterChef presenter after it emerged that an allegation against him of using racist language was Monday, the TV chef said he had "no recollection" of the incident, adding: "I do not believe that it happened."But on Tuesday, it emerged he had been plunges the BBC cooking show into a deeper crisis, after more than 40 separate allegations against Torode's co-host Gregg Wallace were also upheld as part of an inquiry into his conduct. The controversy over MasterChef started last year, when BBC News first revealed claims of inappropriate sexual language against was sacked last week as dozens more people came forward to BBC News with allegations against him. He has always denied the claims.
Scotsman
38 minutes ago
- Scotsman
Harry Potter TV Series Cast Latest 2025: Here are all 22 actors confirmed for the reboot - as production gets underway
1 . Dominic McLaughlin as Harry Potter Scottish actor Dominic McLaughlin has been cast as Harry Potter in the new television series. While McLaughlin has had little screentime so far, he's already been cast in two television series set to be released over the course of the next year. He'll be appearing in Sky comedy Grow alongside new Hagrid Nick Frost and Golda Rosheuvel. The series is about a man who returns to his childhood neighborhood after his father's death only to be sucked into the murky world of drug dealing. He's also been cast in BBC action adventure series Gifted. Set in Edinburgh (and filmed in both Edinburgh and Glasgow), Gifted follows a group of Scottish teenagers who discover they have superpowers. | Aidan Monaghan/HBO
Daily Record
42 minutes ago
- Daily Record
Jazz legend sets the tone to mark launch of Stirling's newest live music venue
Dom Pipkin, described by Blues in Britain as "one of the world's greatest exponents of New Orleans piano", entertained guests at the Golden Lion Hotel's Cronies bar. Stirling's flourishing cultural and musical landscape continues to expand with the unveiling of a new piano lounge within the historic Golden Lion Hotel. Patrons and special invitees were treated to a performance by one of the world's most celebrated jazz and blues artists, Dom Pipkin, on Wednesday evening (July 9) at the hotel's Cronies bar. The renowned pianist and composer drew a diverse crowd, including local musicians and creative talents from the area. Pipkin, hailed by Blues in Britain as "one of the world's greatest exponents of New Orleans piano", has established himself as a fixture in the US city's music scene, gracing stages at events including the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage festival and the prestigious 'Piano Night'. Stirling Council Leader, Cllr Gerry McGarvey, said: "I lived in New Orleans for a time and I'm a huge fan of Dom and his music. It was incredible to see him play in Stirling and it's yet another milestone in the city's growing reputation for arts, music and culture. "The evening at the Golden Lion set the bar for our fantastic hospitality industry and will hopefully spark more innovation and attractions across the sector to boost our appeal to both residents and visitors. "We've got so much going on in Stirling and we're committed to working with our communities, local organisations and businesses to unleash the area's full cultural potential and maximise the benefits of a vibrant night-time economy." Hotel owners, Gary and Ros Atkinson, first encountered Dom's musical talent years ago at Ronnie Scott's in London. Ros recalled: "The moment he started to play it took our breath away and we immediately booked him for our Scottish hotel. "Since then, we have been lucky to become good friends and watch him perform may times, including in Europe with his band Morcheeba. "We have created our Cronies Piano Lounge as a stylish and relaxed venue for cool music and classic cocktails and were thrilled when he immediately agreed to play and launch our series of lounge music piano nights. It was great to see the audience appreciate the art of a true British jazz legend." The hotel is recruiting a line-up of top pianists to perform Friday nights, Saturday afternoons and evenings, and Sunday Jazz Lunch. A full schedule will be released shortly. The Golden Lion, a 66-bedroom establishment and the oldest building on King Street, boasts notable ties to Rabbie Burns. As part of the Bloody Scotland crime-writing festival in September, it will host The Whisky Night – an evening of spirited conversation and music. The event will feature appearances from Rebus creator Sir Ian Rankin, singer-songwriter James Yorkston, Colin MacIntyre of Mull Historical Society, and author Natalie Jayne Clark. Mr Atkinson, a business ambassador for the Scottish Chambers of Commerce and a member of their Scottish Business Advisory Group, expressed his enthusiasm for the city's potential. He said: "This is a great city with a great hospitality offering and we are working closely with local tourism, businesses and the council to promote Stirling. There are exciting times ahead and it's great to have so much local support." Councillor McGarvey further emphasised the importance of collaboration, saying: "Having dynamic partnerships with creative entrepreneurs like Gary and the local hospitality and tourism trade is at the heart of our strategy to build our offering to local residents and UK and international visitors." Ewan Duncan, the owner of Europa Music in Stirling's Friars Street, Scotland's largest vinyl record shop, shared his delight at the return of live music events. He said: "It was great to see live music with a world-class jazz pianist in a hotel back on the up and up and to have such an appreciative audience there to enjoy it." Dom said: "I'm just lucky they want to listen to me as an artist doing what I do. I was delighted to support the new venture by Gary and Ros and spread my alternative blues gospel. I will be back later in the year and wish them and every artist performing here every success."
