Andrew Castle, in his final year as BBC lead commentator at Wimbledon, was rebuked live on air by co-commentator Todd Woodbridge during Jannik Sinner's fourth-round victory over Shintaro Mochizuki. Castle's remarks about the Japanese qualifier were labelled 'disgraceful' by viewers.
Castle's Controversial Comment
With Sinner leading 4-3 in the second set, Castle said: "It probably feels for Sinner like this guy didn't play the game." Woodbridge immediately replied: "That's a bit harsh." Castle 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." Woodbridge then attempted to soften the comment, saying: "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."
Viewer Backlash
Castle's remarks sparked fury among viewers. One wrote on X: "I've never heard anything that disgraceful from a commentator in tennis before, just ugly." Another posted: "@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 said: "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." A fourth viewer commented: "I'm honestly feeling so sorry for Todd Woodbridge having to bring some respect to the commentator booth with Andrew Castle." A fifth added: "I'm delighted that after this year's championships I won't have to listen to Andrew Castle commentating on anymore #Wimbledon matches." Another wrote: "@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's Departure from BBC
This is Castle's last Championship as lead commentator as the BBC seeks to freshen up its coverage. BBC director of sport Alex Kay-Jelski confirmed that the 62-year-old had chosen to leave the corporation after being informed he was being stripped of his lead commentator role, and that this year's men's final would be his last. Castle confessed he had been deeply wounded by the move, telling the Daily Telegraph: "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."
Sinner's Victory and Reaction
Top seed Sinner won 6-3, 7-6 (0), 6-3 to reach the quarter-finals. After the match, Sinner said: "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." The reigning champion will face German Jan-Lennard Struff in the quarter-finals on Tuesday.
