BBC Wimbledon punditry line-up confirmed - but three big names miss out
The BBC have confirmed a star-studded line-up of pundits for this year's Wimbledon - but there are a few high-profile names who will not be part of the coverage
The BBC has revealed its line-up of Wimbledon pundits for this year's tournament, with a mix of familiar faces and notable absences. With the grass-court Grand Slam just days away, tennis enthusiasts are gearing up for an exciting showdown under the south-west London sun.
For those unable to attend in person at SW19, the BBC promises comprehensive coverage, courtesy of a seasoned team of presenters and a distinguished panel of tennis experts. Clare Balding will spearhead the presenting team, taking over the afternoon slot after Isa Guha starts the day, and before Qasa Aslom wraps up with Today at Wimbledon in the evening.
Joining Balding and Guha in the studio will be All England Club veterans John McEnroe, Tim Henman, Martina Navratilova, Billie Jean King, Pat Cash, Tracy Austin and Annabel Croft, all ready to share their insights on the unfolding action.
The commentary box will also feature a host of recognisable voices, including Andrew Castle, Andrew Cotter, Jo Durie, Anne Keothavong, Nick Mullins and Todd Woodbridge, among others.
Furthermore, the BBC has enlisted an impressive roster of tennis stars for their radio coverage, with Marion Bartoli, Kim Clijsters, Laura Robson, Greg Rusedski, Naomi Broady, Daniela Hantuchova and Leon Smith all making the cut.
Wimbledon's expert lineup is missing some notable names this year, with former British No.1 Johanna Konta absent from the BBC's roster despite being part of the studio team last year.
Ash Barty, the Australian tennis sensation who clinched the Wimbledon title in 2021 before retiring, won't be returning to the commentary box this year after recently celebrating the arrival of her second child.
Nick Kyrgios, the often-controversial figure, has also been left out following last year's backlash when Caroline Nokes, then chair of the Women and Equalities select committee, criticised the BBC for hiring him as a pundit after he pleaded guilty to assaulting his ex-girlfriend.
Kyrgios responded to his exclusion by telling The Guardian: "I know I'm a great commentator. All I've done for 20 years is play, study and breathe this sport.
"I also think tennis needs commentators who say things that not everyone says. It's unfortunate but it's probably their loss more than mine."
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