BBC lead commentator Andrew Castle was reprimanded live on air by co-commentator Todd Woodbridge during Jannik Sinner's fourth-round victory over Shintaro Mochizuki at Wimbledon, with viewers branding his remarks 'disgraceful'. Castle, who is commentating on his final Championship as the BBC modernises its coverage, made a comment that sparked outrage at home.
Castle's Controversial Comment
With Sinner leading the second set 4-3, Castle stated: "It probably feels for Sinner like this guy didn't play the game." Woodbridge promptly responded: "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 interjected: "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 did not sit well with viewers at home. One posted on X: "I've never heard anything that disgraceful from a commentator in tennis before, just ugly." 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 added: "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." Another posted: "@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 chief commentator as the BBC aims to modernise 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 downgraded from lead commentator, and that this year's men's final would be his last. Kay-Jelski expressed his desire for Castle to remain part of Wimbledon's commentary team. Castle confessed the decision had upset him, telling the Daily Telegraph before the tournament: "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 Next Match
World No. 1 Jannik Sinner secured a 6-3, 7-6 (0), 6-3 win over qualifier Shintaro Mochizuki. After the match, Sinner said: "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 face German Jan-Lennard Struff in Tuesday's quarter-final.
