The BBC’s lead commentator was told off live on air by co-commentator Todd Woodbridge during Jannik Sinner’s win over Shintaro Mochizuki, with Wimbledon viewers branding his remarks ‘disgraceful’
Andrew Castle may be commentating on his final Wimbledon, but that hasn’t prevented him from being reprimanded live on air. Viewers labelled one remark he made during Jannik Sinner’s match as ‘disgraceful’.
This is Castle’s last Championship as chief commentator as the BBC aims to modernise its coverage. The BBC’s director of sport expressed his desire for Castle to remain part of Wimbledon’s commentary team amidst the fallout from the broadcaster’s departure.
Alex Kay-Jelski confirmed that the 62-year-old had chosen to leave the corporation after being informed that he was being downgraded from lead commentator – and that this year’s men’s final would be his last.
However, if Castle was anticipating the perfect farewell, he was mistaken, as remarks made during Sinner’s 6-3 7-6 (0) 6-3 victory over Shintaro Mochizuki not only resulted in him being silenced by co-commentator Todd Woodbridge, but also sparked outrage among viewers at home, reports the Express.
With Sinner leading the second set 4-3, Castle stated: “It probably feels for Sinner like this guy didn’t play the game.”
But Woodbridge promptly responded: “That’s a bit harsh.”
Castle then continued: “You know what I mean? When you are trying to break someone down that is clearly inferior in so many departments and yet so awkward, I am full of admiration for Mochizuki, but this is the way Sinner feels now I am sure.”
Before Woodbridge said: “I think what you are trying to say is because there isn’t the regular power and shot shape we see in the game today, it is a throwback type of game.”
And Castle’s remarks did not sit well at home, with one viewer posting on X: “I’ve never heard anything that disgraceful from a commentator in tennis before, just ugly.”
Meanwhile another said: “@bbctennis @BBCSport Andrew Castle basically saying Mochizuki is crap and can’t play tennis.. What round of Wimbledon did you get to in your career, then, Andrew?”.
A third posted: “Andrew Castle is a disgrace at the moment. Even his co-commentator says he is being harsh on Shintaro Mochizuki, hinting he can’t play the game of tennis. He is in the 4th round! Glad it’s his final year at BBC Wimbledon.”
Another said on social media: “I’m honestly feeling so sorry for Todd Woodbridge having to bring some respect to the commentator booth with Andrew Castle.”
A fifth said: “I’m delighted that after this year’s championships I won’t have to listen to Andrew Castle commentating on anymore #Wimbledon matches.”
While another posted on X: “@BBCSport Thank god it is the last year of Andrew Castle commentary at Wimbledon. Absolutely dreadful performance tonight, feel so sorry for his Co Commentator, Todd….@bbctennis.”
Castle confessed that the BBC’s decision had upset him, revealing to the Daily Telegraph before this year’s tournament began: “Am I upset? Yeah, I was upset, and I will stay that way this year, knowing it’s my last. But all good things come to an end.”
Meanwhile, Sinner expressed his gratitude after his victory over Mochizuki, saying: “Yes, first of all thanks for staying this long. First time we play against (each other), so I didn’t know exactly what to expect but tried to handle certain situations better than him. I think I did but he’s an incredible player.
“To come from qualies and play such a high level for as long as he did, I wish him nothing but the best and he should be proud of himself. Still, very happy with today’s performance and trying to step up a little bit better every day.”
The reigning champion will now go head-to-head with German Jan-Lennard Struff in Tuesday’s quarter-final.