Latest news with #ClareBalding
The Independent
19 hours ago
- Sport
- The Independent
Jack Draper faces added pressure as home favourite at Wimbledon
BBC presenter Clare Balding warned it will be harder for Jack Draper to win Wimbledon than for his rivals as he copes with the pressure of playing in front of a home crowd. The 23-year-old will be seeded fourth when play begins next week as he looks to build on victory at Indian Wells in March, his first ATP Masters 1000 title, as well as his first Grand Slam semi-final at last year's US Open. Draper was drawn to face Argentine Sebastian Baez in the first round and faces a potentially tough route through the tournament which could see him go up against each of Novak Djokovic, Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz. But though the world's top two Alcaraz and Sinner have split the past six Grand Slams between them, Draper has already tasted victory over both. 'I do think Jack Draper is capable of winning Grand Slam titles,' said Balding, who was speaking at an event in London to mark one year of Barclays' Free Park Tennis scheme, which provides facilities and coaching with the aim of removing barriers between children and grassroots sport. 'But I think it's harder for a British player to win Wimbledon than any of the other Grand Slams because of the added pressure of it being your home tournament. 'The attention and the distraction of all the media you have to do. For all the benefits of the support of the crowd you've also got that added element of how much you want it. 'It's why Andy Murray's even more remarkable. Dealing with that desire and how it affects your brain and how your brain then affects your body, it's a big psychological challenge.' Balding points to Murray's career as an indicator of why initiatives like Free Park Tennis are key in widening the pool of potential tennis stars. Traditionally, lack of access to facilities and equipment due to costs have acted as a barrier within some communities and demographics. The hope is that by opening up those facilities and putting them within easy reach, those barriers will fall away. Since its inception last year the initiative has engaged 35,000 children by offering free coaching and equipment on around a hundred courts nationwide. '(Murray's) is not a story of coming from a privileged background,' said Balding. 'It's a story of access, because his mum was a tennis coach, so there's the key. 'Andy and Jamie Murray would have played another sport. If their parents had been involved in a golf club they'd have taken up golf. They had access (to tennis) but through a very specific route. 'There are going to be over a hundred courts open, available and free to use. Thousands of kids have already done it and I hope more and more will. 'We know all the research into kids being outside, kids being fitter, healthier, all of those things. But I think the key with tennis is the focus that's required, the real concentration. That's a huge benefit to children.'
Yahoo
20 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Frances Tiafoe backs efforts to expand grassroots tennis in UK
US tennis star Frances Tiafoe believes the game in the UK can set a global example as the sport attempts to break free from its elitist reputation and open up at grassroots level. Lack of access to facilities has typically led to far smaller participation levels than in more popular sports in Britain and, though an LTA report in 2024 revealed that around 3.6million UK children play at least once a year, barriers remain to its regular uptake amongst young people, both in Britain and abroad. Advertisement Much of that is down to the expense of equipment and limited access to properly maintained courts and coaching, in practice fencing the game off from some demographics. Frances Tiafoe was speaking alongside Ian Wright and Clare Balding at an event to mark one year of Barclays Free Park Tennis scheme (PA) Current world number 12 Tiafoe, whose family immigrated to the United States from Sierra Leone during the 90s, cites his early introduction to the game as an outlier. Had his father not worked as janitor at a tennis centre in Tiafoe's hometown Maryland, he believes he would never have taken up a game which was seen as off limits to people from less affluent backgrounds. 'You give a chance to people in inner cities, people who wouldn't be able to do a particular sport,' said Tiafoe, who was speaking at an event in London to mark one year of Barclays Free Park tennis scheme, which provides facilities and coaching with the aim of removing barriers between children and grassroots sport. Advertisement 'In America, that's why everyone's so quick to play basketball. All you need is a ball and a hoop. Same as (football) over here (in the UK).' He believes that initiatives like Free Park Tennis – billed as the sport's answer to Park Run and which provides for free the coaches and equipment many would otherwise be unable to afford – will provide the stimulus in the UK for barriers to fall away. 'Tennis you need rackets and strings and shoes, it becomes very upper echelon,' he said. 'This way everyone will be able to it. That's what means a lot to me.' Tiafoe, a two-time US Open semi-finalist in 2022 and 2024, will be aiming to improve upon his Wimbledon record – where he has never progressed beyond the fourth round – when play begins on Monday. Advertisement The 27-year-old is drawn to face the Dane Elmer Moller in the first round with a possible second-round meeting with Brit Cameron Norrie. He believes that more players from his background will in future feel they can follow in his footsteps, with the UK leading the way in breaking down barriers. 'There'd be three or four of me sitting here if we had these schemes (in the US),' he said. 'That's why I'm so passionate about these type of things.' Tiafoe was knocked out of last year's Wimbledon by Carlos Alcaraz (Zac Goodwin/PA) BBC Sport presenter Ian Wight, also speaking at the event, said his own experience of growing up on a council estate in south London pushed him and his peers towards football because sports like tennis appeared closed off. Advertisement 'When we were younger, you go the tennis court where I lived in Brockley, it was always empty,' he said. 'I didn't see anybody on there – white, black, nobody. 'There were people who played football with us just because it's easy to get a football and all of you can play. I'm sure some of those guys, if they had the facilities from this kind of initiative, they would have done it. '
BBC News
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Wimbledon 2025 across the BBC
From the legendary courts of SW19, BBC Sport unites audiences across the nation with exclusive live coverage of Wimbledon 2025. Whether watching on TV, streaming on iPlayer, or tuning in via BBC Radio 5 Live, 5 Sports Extra, or BBC Sounds – every serve, rally, and match point is being delivered direct to audiences, wherever they are. Clare Balding and Isa Guha lead the daily TV coverage across BBC One, BBC Two, and BBC iPlayer. On radio, Gigi Salmon and Clare McDonnell present live match coverage across BBC Radio 5 Live, 5 Sports Extra, and BBC Sounds. Every match available to watch on BBC iPlayer, with Centre Court matches offered in Ultra HD Highlights of select matches available to watch on BBC iPlayer Bespoke video analysis of key matches and players on BBC Sport website/app and social platforms Beyond the live action, the BBC Sport website, app, and social media channels will deliver in-depth coverage, including player interviews, in-play video clips, daily live text commentaries, and behind-the-scenes access, ensuring fans don't miss a moment. Alex Kay-Jelski, Director of BBC Sport, says: 'Wimbledon is a truly special event - so many stories happening at once, so many countries represented, so many brilliant women and men problem-solving in real time as they try to go deep into the tournament. BBC Sport's coverage brings the drama, passion and legacy of the Championships to life, capturing the moments and stories that unite audiences across the nation. In a summer when women's sport takes centre stage, new legends will emerge on the iconic grass courts of SW19. Fans can follow every moment live across BBC TV, iPlayer, BBC Sounds, social accounts and the BBC Sport website and app.' CF TV and iPlayer Live from the iconic All England Lawn Tennis Club, BBC Sport brings unrivalled coverage of this year's championship, led by Clare Balding and Isa Guha. Isa Guha kicks off the day's action in the morning on BBC Two, before Clare Balding takes over in the afternoon as play continues into the evening on BBC One. Qasa Alom will host Today at Wimbledon daily throughout the tournament on BBC iPlayer available from 9pm in week 1 and 8pm in week 2, giving audiences instant access to highlights and expert analysis when and where they want them. This will compliment the unparalleled live coverage across BBC One, Two and iPlayer. The highlights programme will also be broadcast after live play ends, daily on BBC Two. As the tournament reaches its gripping conclusion, Andy Stevenson will present coverage of the wheelchair finals. Joining Clare and Isa in the BBC studio are a stellar line-up of tennis legends, including Grand Slam champions John McEnroe, Martina Navratilova, Billie Jean King, Pat Cash, and Tracy Austin, alongside Tim Henman and Annabel Croft, to provide their insight and analysis throughout the fortnight. Specialist commentary is provided by Andrew Castle, Chris Bradnam, James Burridge, Pat Cash, Naomi Cavaday, Matt Chilton, Andrew Cotter, Annabel Croft, Katherine Downes, Jo Durie, Colin Fleming, Paul Hand, Daniela Hantuchova, Dom Inglot, Abigail Johnson, Anne Keothavong, Robbie Koenig, David Law, Nick Lester, Alicia Molik, Ryan Harrison, John Lloyd, Ronald Mcintosh, Alison Mitchell, Nick Monroe, Nick Mullins, Pete Odgers, Arvind Parmar, Louise Pleming, Simon Reed, Candy Reid, Sam Smith, Liz Smylie, Mel South, Andy Stevenson, Todd Woodbridge plus Jayant Mistry, Louise Hunt and Katie O'Brien for the Wheelchair events. Radio and Sounds Gigi Salmon and Clare McDonnell present live coverage on BBC Radio 5 Live, BBC 5 Sports Extra and BBC Sounds with Steve Crossman presenting in the evenings. Joining the team are former Wimbledon champions Pat Cash and Marion Bartoli, offering expert insights throughout the tournament. They are accompanied by Kim Clijsters, Annabel Croft, Laura Robson, Naomi Broady, Mark Woodforde, Jeff Tarango, Leon Smith, Coco Vandeweghe, Greg Rusedski, and Daniela Hantuchova. Radio commentary is led by BBC Sport's Tennis correspondent Russell Fuller, joined by Gigi Salmon, David Law, Naomi Cavaday, Jonathan Overend, Iain Carter, Abigail Johnson, Sara Orchard, Maz Farookhi, Claire Thomas and James Gregg. 5 Live's Wimbledon team will bring audiences all the major matches live, with regular updates from the outside courts. John McEnroe and Tim Henman return to Radio 5 Live's iconic 6-Love-6 where listeners can have their say on the day's big tennis stories. Lee James presents live coverage on the BBC World Service, joined by Greg Rusedski, Daniela Hantuchová and Cara Black for expert analysis. Commentary comes from Delyth Lloyd, Chris Dennis, Shourjo Sarkar and Shabnam Younus-Jewell. Jamie Broughton and Jon Wilkinson are courtside providing coverage for the 39 BBC Local Radio stations. Online and BBC Sport App BBC Sport's digital coverage of Wimbledon offers fans unparalleled access to the championship wherever they are. New this year, BBC iPlayer features highlights of selected matches, alongside bespoke video analysis of key games and players across the BBC Sport website, app, and social media platforms. The BBC Sport website and app also delivers live in-play clips, match highlights, and a curated selection of the tournament's funniest moments, all available in a vertical video player. Fans can tune into the live Wimbledon Extra channel on BBC iPlayer, the BBC Sport website and app, and via the red button. Plus, every match is available to stream on iPlayer, bringing viewers even closer to the action. Daily live text commentaries on the BBC Sport website and app capture the best of the day's play, with reports on standout matches and major moments throughout the tournament. For those who don't want to miss a beat, BBC Sport's social media channels are packed with top highlights, player interviews, in-depth storytelling, and exclusive behind-the-scenes content. Presenter Q&A Clare Balding What can audiences expect from this year's Wimbledon? Top class tennis in the most prestigious setting. Epic five set thrillers to keep you on the edge of your seats, informed insight from Grand Slam winning pundits, in-depth analysis and fascinating features that build up the characters on court. John McEnroe, Martina Navratilova, Tim Henman, Tracy Austin and Pat Cash will all be back. What are you most looking forward at to this championship? I love being part of such a good team and learning from them about the new players who stepping into the void left by Federer, Nadal and Murray. I'm excited to see how Jack Draper can progress and of course see the latest instalment of the Alcaraz/Sinner rivalry. Coco Gauff burst into our consciousness at only 15 when she beat Venus Williams on her Wimbledon debut. I'd love to see her reach her first final here and ultimately lift the title. It would be great to see a good run from Katie Boulter and Emma Raducanu. Which women's Names Will Be Made this year at Wimbledon and who could emerge as breakout stars? Sonay Kartal is the name I think will become more familiar. The British number 3 is into the top 50 in the world and having a terrific year. Mirra Andreeva is only 18 years old and up to world number 7. She's beaten a host of big names this year and won both Dubai and Indian Wells. At the other end of the age spectrum, Tatjana Maria won Queen's at the age of 37 and one thing we know in women's tennis is to expect the unexpected. Isa Guha What can audiences expect from this year's Wimbledon? The last few years in the men's game has been all about transition and we are seeing incredibly dynamic young players coming through which is super exciting. The women's game continues to go from strength to strength in terms of depth and power and there is a vast array of personalities which make it even more interesting. In terms of British players, Jack Draper is now a top 5 player so he will be a big draw as well at Emma Raducanu who returns to British no 1. The spotlight is being shared around a bit more with the British players and so there will be plenty to talk about. What are you most looking forward at to this championship? Hopefully plenty of sun and no rain! Which women's Names Will Be Made this year at Wimbledon and who could emerge as breakout stars?* Sonay Kartal reached the 3rd round as a qualifier last year and, as a top 50 player now, I'm looking forward to seeing how she goes. Mirra Andreeva has had a good year on tour after disappointing last Wimbledon and I expect big things from her this year Qasa Alom What can audiences expect from this year's Wimbledon? Attacking flashy tennis from players who want to WIN rather than avoiding making a mistake and that will leave the crowd cheering loudly. There is so much variety to the tennis now, not just long rallies from the baseline. From players really using the drop shot, coming to the net more or trying to hit a lot of winners and play on the front foot - I think it will mean viewers can be entertained by captivating tennis, whether you're a seasoned Wimbledon watcher or a newcomer alike. What are you most looking forward to at this championship? There are two storylines I am really intrigued by. Firstly Jack Draper has had a standout year - the British Number 1 has arguably been the 3rd best Men's player in the world this year behind Carlos Alcaraz & Jannik Sinner. He is on track to be seeded 4th at this year's Championships - so there's no reason why he couldn't mount a serious run on home soil. Secondly - Novak Djokovic. At 38, you'd think the guy would be slowing down, but results show he is still up for it in the Grand Slams. Unlike last year, he seems to be in very good physical shape and his performance at Roland Garros leads me to believe this is his best chance of getting that coveted 25th Grand Slam. Which women's Names Will Be Made this year and who could emerge as breakout stars?* I think Aryna Sabalenka, the World Number 1 has such a great personality. She is fun, honest & plays lights out tennis. This could be the year that the 27 year old finally shows her best at SW19. And another who could really cement herself as a breakout star and name is Mirra Andreeva. The 18 year old has poise beyond her years and is putting together a really consistent level of play that's helped her to win 2 WTA 1000 titles this year already. She is now ranked 7th in the world and she will only get better. Tim Henman What can audiences expect from this year's Wimbledon? Wimbledon is a very special place, there are so many elements to it. The immaculate grass courts, the flowers, the way that it's hosted, the predominantly white clothing, the royal box, the celebrities, it's a special place. It's more than just a tennis tournament. What are you most looking forward at to this championship? I always focus first and foremost on the players, and we've got the best players in the world, both men and women coming to compete for the most prestigious tournament in the world so that is definitely what I look forward to the most. Which women's Names Will Be Made this year at Wimbledon and who could emerge as breakout stars? You've got the best women players in the world and that's led by Aryna Sabalenka, she's number one in the world and she's never won Wimbledon so she'll be excited about her opportunities. I think Coco Gauff, I remember when Coco played as a 15 year old because she was given a wild card into qualifying, she qualified and then beat Venus Williams first round and it's amazing to think that she's been around for 6 years and she's still only 21. She's French Open champion; she's such a great competitor and she's such a great ambassador for our sport. I'd love to see her win Wimbledon. But I think there's some great British stories out there. Whether that's Emma Raducanu, Katie Boulter, Sonay Kartal has done so well. I think on the back of Roland Garros, Lois Boisson, there's somebody who was 360 in the world and she made the semi-finals. It just goes to show the strength and depth is amazing. Andy Stevenson What can audiences expect from this year's Wimbledon? We could be in for a classic Wimbledon this year with new rivalries really emerging. I don't think anyone would turn down another Alcaraz vs Sinner or Gauff vs Sabalenka final after their thrilling matches at the French Open. Novak Djokovic is still hungry for more and the Ladies' title has been won by 8 different players in the last 8 years, so anything could happen! What are you most looking forward at to this championship? It's my third year presenting the Wheelchair Singles finals and 12 months ago I was so lucky to be on No.1 Court to see Alfie Hewitt complete his career Grand Slam at Wimbledon. I can't wait to see him defend that title. And can Hewitt & Gordon Reid continue their dominance of the Wheelchair Doubles with a 7th title together? Which women's Names Will Be Made this year at Wimbledon and who could emerge as breakout stars? Following her exploits at Roland Garros, where she reached the semi-finals in her first ever Grand Slam tournament. everyone is talking about France's Lois Boisson. It will be fascinating to see if she can back that performance up now she is suddenly the French no.1. In terms of the Brits, it would be great to see Katie Boulter or Sonay Kartal make a run into the second week. Annabel Croft What can audiences expect from this year's Wimbledon? I always say with Wimbledon I expect long drawn-out summer evenings watching five set epic matches, late into the day and rollercoaster rides. Great tennis, grass court action and some thrilling matches. What are you most looking forward to at this championship? I look forward to great contests and great clashes between two big personalities. It's like building up to a big boxing bout. You want to watch two heavyweights. I always look forward to the great clashes so when the draw comes out you think of what contests could come in a few days time and the excitement of those characters going up against teach other. Which women's Names Will Be Made this year and who could emerge as breakout stars? I'm reaching for Coco Gauff. I think after winning Roland Garros I think she's going to have a really good Wimbledon, and she's going to have confidence, and I think she has the game for it. She's already a big star but it brings it to a bigger global audience. I'm a huge fan of not just her tennis, but her work ethic, her professionalism, I like her personality, and I think that she's going to be certainly a big force. She's already a big star but I think if she won Wimbledon it brings it to a bigger global audience. Wimbledon is quite special. I think it's going to be interesting to see how far the Brits go. I think this group of three of them, Raducanu, Boulter and Kartal, are really ones to keep an eye on. Mika Stojsavljevic, the young girl that won the US Open juniors called has been given a wildcard. She's certainly one to keep an eye on. If I was going to go with one player that people aren't so familiar with who's done so well on the tour and she's still a teenager I'd have to say Mirra Andreeva. She won Indian Wells, she's beaten Świątek several times and she's got an all court game so I definitely think she's going to be one to look out for. Andrew Castle What can audiences expect from this year's Wimbledon? 100% commitment from everyone involved as usual. That includes the players who come first of course. Everybody who works at and around the club from stewards to broadcasters to court coverers to the cleaners to the gardeners and the chefs and everybody in between. Physically Wimbledon is very beautiful and it's even more pronounced for me because I get to use the club year-round and now instead of the bare bones it's now wearing its full party frock. What are you most looking forward to at this championship? I'm most looking forward to day one and seeing so many faces and people. For many it will be a first time to a great sporting event and others would have been there since the days of the great Australians. All the way through the Borg and McEnroe era and coming up through Steffi Graf. People will watch the sport for years, others will be brand new. I've seen people in their 90s there and all the way down to 5, 6, 7 years old who have a look of wonder in their face. That's really what I look forward to. Professionally I look forward to sitting down with a microphone with old friends and showcasing tennis for the audience and doing our best to entertain and to inform and do my best not to talk too much, I promise! Which women's Names Will Be Made this year and who could emerge as breakout stars? That's a big question and I have no idea... and that's part of the joy of it. If it's not this year, it's going to be sometime for the American, Emma Navarro. She is just a spectacular athlete and at the time of writing she's the fourth ranked American but she's number 10 in the world and since the moment I first saw her play I just thought 'now here's someone who could win one of the majors.' Britain's Sonay Kartal fascinates me. She is so laid back which is a real advantage in a global individual sport. She works relentlessly to improve and has improved out of site in the last year and has probably benefitted from coming through in the slipstreams behind Katie Boulter and Emma Raducanu. Could this be the year for Mirra Andreeva? She's only 18 but she's going to win a Grand Slam one of these years. Follow for more
BBC News
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- BBC News
How to watch and follow Wimbledon across the BBC
The BBC has comprehensive live coverage of Wimbledon across TV, iPlayer, radio, Sounds, online and the mobile app from Monday, 30 June to Sunday, 13 can watch the best of the action on BBC One, BBC Two and BBC iPlayer from 11:00 BST, while every match from all 18 courts will be streamed live on BBC iPlayer and the BBC Sport website and Wimbledon Extra channel, which will feature highlights and interviews, will be available on BBC at Wimbledon will be available on BBC iPlayer from 21:00 BST in week one and 20:00 on week two, as well as on BBC Two every evening, to take an in-depth look at the day's best BBC Sport website and app will bring you video clips, text commentaries, reports and live Radio 5 Live, 5 Sports Extra and BBC Sounds will have live commentary every day, as well as 6-Love-6 with Tim Henman and John can also stay up to date with all the latest news and go behind the scenes via BBC Sport's social media accounts. Clare Balding and Isa Guha will lead BBC TV coverage, with Qasa Alom hosting Today at Wimbledon and Andy Stevenson leading coverage of the wheelchair Slam champions John McEnroe, Martina Navratilova, Billie Jean King, Pat Cash, and Tracy Austin will be alongside Tim Henman and Annabel Croft throughout the Salmon and Clare McDonnell will present live coverage on BBC Radio 5 Live, BBC 5 Sports Extra and BBC Sounds with Steve Crossman presenting in the are joined by former Wimbledon champions Pat Cash and Marion Bartoli, as well as Kim Clijsters, Laura Robson and Greg tennis correspondent Russell Fuller will lead the radio commentary. BBC TV and live streaming schedule All times BST. Matches and coverage times are subject to late changes. The BBC is not responsible for any changes that may be made. Full radio coverage times to follow when available. The men's and women's singles finals will start two hours later this year at 16:00 BST, with doubles finals getting play under way on Centre Court from 13:00. Monday, 30 JuneMen's and women's singles first round10:30-19:00 - Live coverage - BBC Two, BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport website and app11:00-21:30 - Live coverage of outside courts - BBC Red Button, BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport website and app12:30-22:00 - Live coverage - BBC Radio 5 Live, BBC Sounds app and BBC Sport website14:00-18:00 - Live coverage - BBC One, BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport website and app19:00-22:00 - Live coverage - BBC One, BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport website and app23:55-00:55 - Today at Wimbledon - BBC TwoTuesday, 1 JulyMen's and women's singles first round11:00-19:00 - Live coverage - BBC Two, BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport website and app11:00-21:30 - Live coverage of outside courts - BBC Red Button, BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport website and app12:30-22:00 - Live coverage - BBC Radio 5 Live, BBC Sounds app and BBC Sport website14:00-18:00 - Live coverage - BBC One, BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport website and app19:00-22:00 - Live coverage - BBC One, BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport website and app23:05-00:05 - Today at Wimbledon - BBC TwoWednesday, 2 JulyMen's and women's singles second round, men's and women's doubles first round11:00-13:00 - Live coverage - BBC One, BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport website and app11:00-21:30 - Live coverage of outside courts - BBC Red Button, BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport website and app13:00-19:00 - Live coverage - BBC Radio 5 Live, BBC Sounds app and BBC Sport website13:00-22:00 - Live coverage - BBC Two, BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport website and app14:00-18:00 - Live coverage - BBC One, BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport website and app19:00-22:00 - Live coverage - BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra, BBC Sounds app and BBC Sport website23:30-00:30 - Today at Wimbledon - BBC TwoThursday, 3 JulyMen's and women's singles second round, men's and women's doubles first round11:00-16:30 - Live coverage - BBC Two, BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport website and app11:00-21:30 - Live coverage of outside courts - BBC Red Button, BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport website and app12:30-20:00 - Live coverage - BBC Radio 5 Live, BBC Sounds app and BBC Sport website14:00-19:00 - Live coverage - BBC One, BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport website and app19:00-20:00 - Live coverage - BBC Two, BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport website and app19:00-22:00 - Live coverage - BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra, BBC Sounds app and BBC Sport website20:00-21:00 - Live coverage - BBC One, BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport website and app23:00-00:00 - Today at Wimbledon - BBC TwoFriday, 4 JulyMen's and women's singles third round, men's and women's doubles second round, mixed doubles first round11:00-19:00 - Live coverage - BBC Two, BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport website and app11:00-21:30 - Live coverage of outside courts - BBC Red Button, BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport website and app12:30-20:00 - Live coverage - BBC Radio 5 Live, BBC Sounds app and BBC Sport website14:00-18:00 - Live coverage - BBC One, BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport website and app19:00-21:00 - Live coverage - BBC One, BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport website and app21:00-22:00 - Today at Wimbledon - BBC TwoSaturday, 5 JulyMen's and women's singles third round, men's and women's doubles second round, mixed doubles first round, juniors singles begin11:00-19:15 - Live coverage - BBC Two, BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport website and app11:00-21:30 - Live coverage of outside courts - BBC Red Button, BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport website and app12:00-17:00 - Live coverage - BBC Radio 5 Live, BBC Sounds app and BBC Sport website12:20-15:55 - Live coverage - BBC One, BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport website and app19:15-22:00 - Live coverage - BBC One, BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport website and app00:25-01:25 - Today at Wimbledon - BBC TwoSunday, 6 JulyMen's and women's singles fourth round, men's and women's doubles third round, mixed doubles second round11:00-16:30 - Live coverage - BBC Two, BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport website and app11:00-21:30 - Live coverage of outside courts - BBC Red Button, BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport website and app12:00-18:00 - Live coverage - BBC Radio 5 Live, BBC Sounds app and BBC Sport website12:15-19:00 - Live coverage - BBC One, BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport website and app19:05-22:05 - Live coverage - BBC One, BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport website and app23:00-00:00 - Today at Wimbledon - BBC Two Monday, 7 JulyMen's and women's singles fourth round, men's and women's doubles third round, mixed doubles quarter-finals11:00-19:00 - Live coverage - BBC Two, BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport website and app11:00-21:30 - Live coverage of outside courts - BBC Red Button, BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport website and app12:30-19:00 - Live coverage - BBC Radio 5 Live, BBC Sounds app and BBC Sport website14:00-18:00 - Live coverage - BBC One, BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport website and app19:00-22:00 - Live coverage - BBC One, BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport website and app23:00-00:00 - Today at Wimbledon - BBC TwoTuesday, 8 JulyMen's and women's singles quarter-finals, men's and women's doubles quarter-finals, mixed doubles semi-finals, wheelchair singles first round11:00-16:30 - Live coverage - BBC Two, BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport website and app11:00-21:30 - Live coverage of outside courts - BBC Red Button, BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport website and app12:30-19:00 - Live coverage - BBC Radio 5 Live, BBC Sounds app and BBC Sport website14:00-19:00 - Live coverage - BBC One, BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport website and app19:00-20:00 - Live coverage - BBC Two, BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport website and app20:00-21:00 - Today at Wimbledon - BBC Two, BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport website and appWednesday, 9 JulyMen's and women's singles quarter-finals, men's and women's doubles quarter-finals, quad wheelchair singles quarter-finals, wheelchair doubles quarter-finals11:00-21:30 - Live coverage of outside courts - BBC Red Button, BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport website and app12:15-13:00 - Live coverage - BBC One, BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport website and app12:30-19:00 - Live coverage - BBC Radio 5 Live, BBC Sounds app and BBC Sport website13:00-15:00 - Live coverage - BBC Two, BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport website and app14:00-16:15 - Live coverage - BBC One, BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport website and app15:00-20:00 - Live coverage - BBC Two, BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport website and app20:00-21:00 - Today at Wimbledon - BBC Two, BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport website and appThursday, 10 JulyWomen's singles semi-finals, men's doubles semi-finals, mixed doubles final, men's and women's wheelchair singles quarter-finals, quad wheelchair doubles semi-finals, wheelchair doubles quarter-finals11:00-21:30 - Live coverage of outside courts - BBC Red Button, BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport website and app12:30-20:00 - Live coverage - BBC Two, BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport website and app12:30-19:00 - Live coverage - BBC Radio 5 Live, BBC Sounds app and BBC Sport website14:00-18:00 - Live coverage - BBC One, BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport website and app20:00-21:00 - Today at Wimbledon - BBC TwoFriday, 11 JulyMen's singles semi-finals, women's doubles semi-finals, men's, women's and quad wheelchair singles semi-finals11:00-21:30 - Live coverage of outside courts - BBC Red Button, BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport website and app12:30-20:00 - Live coverage - BBC Two, BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport website and app12:30-19:00 - Live coverage - BBC Radio 5 Live, BBC Sounds app and BBC Sport website14:00-18:00 - Live coverage - BBC One, BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport website and app20:00-21:00 - Today at Wimbledon - BBC TwoSaturday, 12 JulyWomen's singles final, men's doubles final, women's wheelchair singles final, men's wheelchair doubles final, quad wheelchair doubles final11:00-21:00 - Live coverage of outside courts - BBC Red Button, BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport website and app11:00-13:00 - Live coverage - BBC Two, BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport website and app12:00-20:00 - Live coverage - BBC Radio 5 Live, BBC Sounds app and BBC Sport website12:15-19:15 - Live coverage - BBC One, BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport website and app20:00-21:00 - Today at Wimbledon - BBC TwoSunday, 13 JulyMen's singles final, women's doubles final, men's wheelchair singles final, quad wheelchair singles final, women's wheelchair doubles final11:00-21:00 - Live coverage of outside courts - BBC Red Button, BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport website and app11:00-12:55 - Live coverage - BBC Two, BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport website and app12:00-20:00 - Live coverage - BBC Radio 5 Live, BBC Sounds app and BBC Sport website13:00-21:00 - Live coverage - BBC One, BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport website and app22:00-23:00 - Today at Wimbledon - BBC Two
Daily Mirror
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
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."
