BBC Wimbledon commentator Chris Bradnam has been heavily criticised by viewers after making what many described as a 'sexist' remark about tennis star Jeļena Ostapenko during her women's singles match against Aryna Sabalenka on centre court on July 3.
During the live broadcast, Bradnam said: 'Doesn't [Ostapenko's] face look better with a smile on it?' The comment was met with silence from his co-commentators, former players Eugenie Bouchard and Anne Keothavong, who did not challenge or counter the remark.
Social Media Fury
Viewers quickly took to social media to express their outrage. On Reddit, one user wrote: 'Anyone watching with the UK commentary, I'm sorry you had to hear the commentator proclaim “doesn’t her face look better with a smile on it”, when referring to Ostapenko. Unfortunately the comment went unchallenged by the co-commentators (Bouchard and another) and instead was met with silence before moving on to unrelated topics after the next point had been played. Pity. One of the others could at least have countered it with a pseudo-jovial “you can't say that!” type remark, or re-worded it to something like “did you mean to say she plays better when she's enjoying herself?”'
On X, formerly Twitter, users were equally critical. One said: 'The BBC Sport male commentator dared to say “doesn’t her face look better with a smile on it” to Ostapenko really?' Another fumed: 'Please everyone complain to BBC! Absolutely disgusting commentary on a centre court game, so, so disrespectful.' A third echoed: 'Chris Bradnam needs to be reprimanded for his sexist comments.' A fourth posted: '“Doesn’t her face look better with a smile on it?” Casual sexism not ok!'
BBC Response Sought
Express.co.uk has approached the BBC for comment regarding the incident and whether any action will be taken against Bradnam. The broadcaster has not yet issued a public statement.
The match, a third-round encounter, saw Sabalenka defeat Ostapenko in straight sets. However, the commentary controversy has overshadowed the on-court action, reigniting debates about sexism in sports broadcasting.
