Wimbledon breaks TV record for BBC as millions tune in for Emma Raducanu
A record number of viewers tuned in to watch Emma Raducanu's match with Aryna Sabalenka on BBC One on Friday. The tennis match was the BBC's third-highest ratings for any non-final contest in the last three years, with over five million people watching the Wimbledon match.
The 22-year-old had the ultimate challenge in the third round of the Grand Slam as she came up against world No. 1 Sabalenka on Friday. Despite a spirited display where she broke the serve of the Belarusian powerhouse on more than one occasion, she ultimately came up short and lost 7-6 (6) 6-4 in just under two hours 7-6 (6) 6-4.
The intense match was watched by 5.32million people, and her third round received over 1.2million streaming requests on iPlayer.
In comparison, the most-watched non-final match from the last four years at Wimbledon Championships was Raducanu's fourth round with Lulu Sun in 2024 - which had 5.47 million viewers.
Andy Murray's tennis match with John Isner in 2022 came in second, with 5.34 million viewers.
Over the five days of the sporting event, the Been got over 31 million online streaming requests from eager tennis fans, which was over a 50% increase from 2024.
Meanwhile, Cameron Norrie was recently left shocked when a bold reporter asked him whether he was dating Raducanu.
The 29-year-old progressed into the round of 16 by beating Mattia Bellucci 7-6 (7-5), 6-4, 6-3. Jack Draper's shock exit to Marin Cillic means Norrie is the only Brit left in the men's singles.
In his post-match press conference, he was questioned on his love life, which baffled the tennis star. The reporter first praised Norrie, telling him: "Congratulations again on your win.
"Apart from everyone here loving tennis, some of the gossip has been about who Emma Raducanu is dating. Can I ask if you're dating her? Can we get to the bottom of this, please?"
A slouching Norrie quickly straightened up and widened his eyes befire asking: "Sorry?" Repeating his question, he said: "We're trying to find out who is dating Emma Raducanu. It seems to be going round all the men's singles. I was just wondering if you are dating her, please?"
With a confused look on his face, Norrie replied: "I'm not, no. You can ask her, though. You can ask her. I don't know," before he swiftly turned away.
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