'Don't torture me': Andre Agassi explodes at BBC over Royal Box obsession during Wimbledon broadcast
Fans tuning in for Friday's
Wimbledon
semifinal between Carlos Alcaraz and Taylor Fritz got more than just tennis. During a short pause in the match, BBC analyst Andre Agassi voiced clear frustration live on air.
What started as a normal broadcast turned into an awkward moment between Andre Agassi and fellow commentator Andrew Castle and the reason might surprise you.
Andre Agassi calls out BBC focus on
Royal Box
during Carlos Alcaraz vs Taylor Fritz match
For the BBC, Andre Agassi and Andrew Castle were offering live commentary for the Wimbledon semi-final played at Centre Court. Andrew Castle switched the focus to the Royal Box during a brief pause by Carlos Alcaraz and Taylor Fritz, noting celebrities seated there, including singer Elaine Paige.
Andre Agassi destroys Andrew Castle (not sticking to the narrative)
Andre Agassi, clearly eager to stick to the match, tried to highlight Taylor Fritz's bold playing tactics. He noted that Taylor Fritz had increased risk on his serve and backhand. But Andrew Castle interrupted to discuss more celebrities. This led Andre Agassi to pause and respond with the now-viral line:
'Don't torture me. Let me finish my point.'
Viewers on social media quickly took Andre Agassi's side, saying they tuned in to hear expert commentary, not celebrity spotting.
During this exchange, BBC cameras showed more shots of guests in the Royal Box than the match itself.
Andre Agassi and Andrew Castle spark debate over Wimbledon coverage focus
After Andre Agassi made his tennis analysis clear, Andrew Castle continued naming high-profile figures in the audience, including Nick Clegg, the former UK Deputy Prime Minister. This led Andre Agassi to directly say,
'People watching are watching for tennis. Not for this.'
Also Read:
Andre Agassi and Steffi Graf's son Jaden Agassi shows love for girlfriend Catherine Holt's bold new photo from bedroom series
Questions about the BBC's coverage priorities were raised by the circumstances.
Many believe that one of the best tennis players in history, such as Andre Agassi, should be given the opportunity to concentrate on tennis insights instead of being dragged into irrelevant discussions.
While Andrew Castle may have been following direction from producers, the moment created a visible on-air clash. Andre Agassi's comment sparked debate online about whether sports broadcasts should stick to game analysis or entertain with celebrity coverage.
For real-time updates, scores, and highlights, follow our live coverage of the
India vs England Test match here
.
Catch Manika Batra's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 3. Watch Here!
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
19 minutes ago
- Time of India
At Wimbledon, Neeraj Chopra reveals tennis player that inspires him; PBKS co-owner Preity Zinta also in attendance
Neeraj Chopra Wimbledon 2025 came to an eventful close as Jannik Sinner got the better of his rival Carlos Alcaraz in the men's singles final. After dropping the first set, the Italian bounced back gracefully to win the title in style: 4-6, 6-4, 6-4, 6-4. The final on Sunday saw Sinner make amends for his loss in the French Open final to the Spaniard a little over a month ago. As the exciting final took place at Centre Court, several top names graced the Royal Box and stunned fans with their sleek and stylish looks. From India's javelin sensation Neeraj Chopra to Punjab Kings co-owner Preity Zinta to Bollywood stars Farhan Akhtar and Sonam Kapoor, star power has been through the roof at the tournament. Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW! Ahead of the final, Neeraj Chopra revealed his personal feelings about the sport and shared that it was his first time attending a Grand Slam tournament. 'It feels fantastic to be here. This is my first tennis tournament, and that too, Wimbledon. The passion everyone here has for tennis is great to see,' said the athlete, speaking to Star Sports. 'Roger Federer has been a very tough competitor during his days. The way he has carried Switzerland's flag in the field of tennis, especially at Wimbledon—I have met him, and the way he has maintained himself, his brand value, and his family, it speaks a lot about that person,' Neeraj added, highlighting his admiration for the most successful player at Wimbledon. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Concentrated Siberian Ginseng Extract 2oz Superior Ginseng Undo Besides Neeraj, another popular personality from the world of sport made her way to Wimbledon. Preity Zinta, co-owner of Punjab Kings in the Indian Premier League (IPL), also appeared at the event. Speaking to Star Sports, the actress and co-owner shared her excitement to be at Wimbledon and expressed that she was looking forward to "unwind, relax and enjoy" with her husband. Zinta also joked about how, for once, she could enjoy a game that's not cricket and 'not stress' either. Zinta is an animated figure in the stands every time her side plays in the IPL and is a vocal supporter of the Punjab Kings. Alongside the two, several other top names have graced Wimbledon with their presence this year, including the likes of Sachin Tendulkar, Virat Kohli, Ravi Shastri, and more. For real-time updates, scores, and highlights, follow our live coverage of the India vs England Test match here . Catch Manika Batra's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 3. Watch Here!
Time of India
33 minutes ago
- Time of India
IND vs ENG 3rd Test: ‘Shubman Gill must decide — be like MS Dhoni or Virat Kohli,' says Sanjay Manjrekar
India captain Shubman Gill (Photo by) Former India cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar has offered an insightful take on Shubman Gill 's dismissal on Day 4 of the third Test at Lord's, suggesting that England's aggressive tactics may have unsettled the Indian captain during a crucial phase. Gill, who has otherwise been in sublime touch this series, was dismissed for just 6 runs in the second innings as India crumbled to 58 for 4 in pursuit of 193. He played six uncertain shots in nine balls before falling LBW to Brydon Carse. Manjrekar, commenting on social media, said: 'Gill suddenly looking tentative last evening had a lot to do with the hostility he got at the crease from England.' Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW! He also compared Gill's temperament to that of Indian greats Virat Kohli and MS Dhoni . 'Virat performed better, the angrier he got. Dhoni the exact opposite. Gill must decide what gets the best out of him as batter, calmness or anger,' Manjrekar tweeted. Rishabh Pant is India's TRUMP CARD in tense chase vs England at Lord's Gill's brief innings came a day after he was involved in a heated on-field exchange with Zak Crawley , adding to the pressure when he walked in to bat. However, this low score should not overshadow what has been a phenomenal series for him so far. Poll Which temperament do you think works best for Shubman Gill as a batter? Calmness Anger A mix of both Despite the low score at Lord's, Gill has enjoyed a stellar series so far. He has already crossed the 600-run mark, becoming the highest run-scorer in a Test series for India in England, surpassing Rahul Dravid 's 2002 tally of 602. The 24-year-old has notched up three centuries and one fifty in the series, showing remarkable temperament and skill. For real-time updates, scores, and highlights, follow our live coverage of the India vs England Test match here . Catch Manika Batra's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 3. Watch Here!
Time of India
33 minutes ago
- Time of India
IND vs ENG 3rd Test: 'I cannot believe' - Gavaskar, Trott fume as Joe Root survives close LBW call on Day 4
LONDON, ENGLAND - JULY 13: Joe Root of England reacts towards during Day Four of the 3rd Rothesay Test Match between England and India at Lord's Cricket Ground at Lord's Cricket Ground on July 13, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by) India and England played out a tense day of cricket on Sunday — the 4th day of the 3rd Test at Lord's. From fiery comments to blistering deliveries and on-field banter, the day's play had it all. While England were bowled out by the visitors for just 192 in their second innings, one umpiring decision left the Indian team bewildered. Shubman Gill and Mohammed Siraj were visibly enraged as umpire Paul Reiffel made the surprising decision to give Joe Root a lifeline at the crease. Standing on 36, the batter was caught off guard by a delivery from Siraj that zipped onto his pad from the off side. The bowler and his skipper were convinced they had claimed his wicket, but were left stunned when the umpire remained unconvinced. Opting for the review, it was soon revealed that the ball had pitched in line and struck in line, with its trajectory clipping the top of the leg stump. However, it was deemed 'umpire's call', and the on-field decision of not out stood. Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW! Mirroring the reactions of the Indian players on the pitch, former India captain Sunil Gavaskar was in disbelief. Speaking on air, the 76-year-old said: 'I cannot believe the ball has moved that much. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like An engineer reveals: One simple trick to get internet without a subscription Techno Mag Learn More Undo You're saying it was going to kiss the leg stump? There's no way. It was knocking the leg stump off. The only good thing is that India have not lost the review.' Rishabh Pant is India's TRUMP CARD in tense chase vs England at Lord's Adding to the same, former England batter Jonathan Trott said: 'I am flabbergasted. Having looked at that replay, I thought it was crashing into the inside part of the leg stump. Watching it in real time, I couldn't believe it was missing. You thought it was crashing into the inside of the stump. When you saw that at normal speed, it was hardly missing leg stump. England survive again. India animated.' While Root didn't survive for long after the heavily debated call, he did add four more runs to his tally. He was eventually dismissed for 40 by Washington Sundar, who bowled him clean in the 43rd over. Root narrowly escaping from Siraj's clutches was heavily protested by Ravichandran Ashwin as well, who claimed that he found it "difficult" to deal with Paul Reiffel during his playing days. For real-time updates, scores, and highlights, follow our live coverage of the India vs England Test match here . Catch Manika Batra's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 3. Watch Here!
