The BBC have announced a new-look Wimbledon line-up for this year’s tournament after Andrew Castle’s decision to leave the broadcaster and fans will be delighted by who they see
BBC chiefs have unveiled a revamped look for Wimbledon with three fresh faces set to spearhead their coverage following Andrew Castle’s departure – including ‘the world’s sexiest tennis star’.
Former British No.1 Andrew Castle, 62, the BBC’s main TV commentator of the yearly Grand Slam, will fulfil the role for the final time this summer. He has provided commentary on men’s singles finals for the BBC since 2003, but will walk away from the Beeb entirely after the corporation’s head of sport, Alex Kay-Jelski, wanted him to accept a less prominent role from next year.
Now it has been revealed that Eugenie ‘Genie’ Bouchard, the 2014 women’s singles finalist, who has had successful spells with TNT Sports and Tennis Channel, is coming on board.
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The 32-year-old Canadian burst onto the world scene at the age of 20 when she reached the final of Wimbledon – losing to Czech star Petra Kvitova – and the semi-final of the Australian and French Open.
However, she has admitted her career and life were consumed by chaos, that saw her retire aged just 31, after forays into modelling, including starring on the cover of Sports Illustrated.
Now the social media sensation, who has two million followers on Instagram, is making her way to the Beeb, where she will be joined by another newcomer.
Former doubles tennis ace Jamie Murray – the 40-year-old sibling of three-time Grand Slam champion Andy Murray – arrives as a specialist analysis guru.
The newly-retired former doubles world No.1, will utilise “enhanced match data, advanced technology and tactical breakdowns” to deliver an unparalleled level of insight into matches at SW19.
Former British number one Laura Robson will also help signal a shake-up of their expert panel. The 32-year-old, who is already a cornerstone of Sky Sports and TNT Sports’ tennis teams, will provide instant reaction courtside and offer expert analysis for the BBC.
Clare Balding and Isa Guha will anchor coverage throughout the day as hosts. The duo will be accompanied in the studio by former British No.1 Tim Henman, reports the Mirror, plus Annabel Croft, John McEnroe, Martina Navratilova, Billie Jean King, Pat Cash and Tracy Austin.
Retired Briton Kyle Edmund will also feature in the studio. Eight-time Major champion Andre Agassi, who has established himself as a viewer favourite with his refreshingly honest opinions, will return for “the climax of the tournament” after joining the commentary team last year.
The BBC said: “Agassi will provide expert analysis and unique insight into the evolution of the game, drawing on his own remarkable experiences competing for Wimbledon glory while examining the players shaping the future of the sport.”
The All England Club has put pressure on the BBC to refresh its coverage, and this follows Castle’s departure being officially confirmed. The veteran commentator is leaving the corporation after the 2026 tournament having been informed that he was being relegated from his leading position.
The player-turned-broadcaster has been one of the most familiar voices behind the microphone for over two decades, but was informed that BBC executives wanted to pursue a fresh direction and overhaul their coverage. This meant he would have to accept a reduced role moving forward.
However, Castle chose to depart entirely from the BBC. This means that this year’s Wimbledon, which begins in just under a month, will mark his final Championships with the broadcaster.
A BBC spokesperson commented: “We wanted Andrew to continue with the BBC at Wimbledon next year, but he has now decided that this year will be his last. We look forward to working with him at the 2026 Championships and thank him for his great work leading our commentary team there for more than 20 years.”
Gigi Salmon and Clare McDonnell will front live coverage on BBC Radio 5 Live, BBC 5 Sports Extra and BBC Sounds. Supporting the team are former Wimbledon champions Pat Cash and Marion Bartoli, providing expert analysis throughout the tournament.
They are joined by Edmund, Kim Clijsters, Annabel Croft, Naomi Broady, Mark Woodforde, Jeff Tarango, Leon Smith, Daniela Hantuchova and Ryan Harrison.
Radio commentary is spearheaded by BBC Sport’s Tennis correspondent Russell Fuller, alongside Gigi Salmon, David Law, Naomi Cavaday, Jonathan Overend, Iain Carter, Katie Smith, Abigail Johnson, Qasa Alom, Sara Orchard, Maz Farookhi, Claire Thomas and James Gregg.
The BBC have said this year’s coverage “promises to be the most comprehensive in BBC history”, with every match from all 18 courts streamed live on BBC iPlayer and Murray leading their analysis from a brand-new high-tech studio.
Alex Kay-Jelski, director of BBC Sport, said: “Wimbledon remains one of the defining moments of the sporting year, where world-class performance meets a truly British sense of occasion. This summer, BBC Sport’s coverage combines the heritage and prestige audiences expect with exciting new voices in our presenting line-up, alongside more advanced analytics and tech that bring fresh insight to every game, set and match.
“Our aim is simple: to bring audiences closer to each story and moment that defines Wimbledon whether they are watching clips on their phone, TV, listening to the radio or following live text.”