Tennis commentator Andrew Castle has opened up about his upcoming departure from the BBC's Wimbledon team, revealing that a phone call and subsequent meeting led to his decision to leave after 23 years as lead commentator. The former British number one will call his final men's singles final on Sunday afternoon as Jannik Sinner faces Alexander Zverev.
Unexpected News Delivered Respectfully
Castle, 62, told BBC Radio 5 Live that the news was 'unexpected' but delivered 'in a respectful way.' He received a phone call that 'didn't sound too good,' followed by a meeting with Phil Bernie from BBC Sport, who informed him that the corporation was 'going in a different direction for the final next year' and wanted him to stay on as part of the commentary team. Andrew Cotter is set to replace him as lead commentator.
'I thought about that, talked to my wife Sophia and the children, let it sit. Then I declined to be a part of the team for next year, because once you've done the final, everything else is less,' Castle said.
Emotional Farewell After 23 Years
Castle admitted to feeling 'very, very sad and disappointed,' describing a 'sense of grief' associated with leaving a role he has held since 2003. 'I've never taken it for granted,' he added. 'I hope that the people that I've worked with feel that it's been a good experience for them. I just wish, in some ways, that I could carry on, but you can't.'
He acknowledged that the BBC's decision was final: 'I still feel like I have something to offer, but that decision has been taken away from me, and I respect that. I'm very, very grateful.'
BBC Director Defends Decision
BBC director of sport Alex Kay-Jelski defended the network's handling of Castle's exit, saying: 'I'm not going to get into private conversations. We asked Andrew to stay, because we think he's excellent. He's been doing this for 20 years, and then he took the decision, therefore, that is enough. I think even he said this week that he was told face-to-face and it was done nicely. He's done an absolute brilliant innings.'
Castle will commentate on his final Wimbledon match on Sunday, taking extra photos to commemorate the occasion. 'In those few moments where I've grieved a little bit, I've reminded myself that this has all been part of a great and lucky run. Just leave, and be happy and smiling,' he concluded.
