BBC viewers expressed widespread delight when former British tennis star Laura Robson stepped in to present Wimbledon coverage on Sunday, July 5, after regular host Isa Guha was absent. Guha had instead traveled to Lord's to present the Women's T20 World Cup final, leaving Robson to take the reins at SW19.
Robson Reveals Guha's Whereabouts Live On Air
Opening the broadcast on BBC Two, Robson explained Guha's absence, saying: "What a day. If you love sport, what a treat, what an incredible line-up all round. Here at Wimbledon, it's middle Sunday and the last 16 matches are getting underway. Of course, in the football, England's men take on Mexico tonight in the wee hours of the morning. Are you staying up? Are you catching up? You've got either option. And also today, England's women are in the T20 Cricket World Cup final at Lord's against Australia. That's where Isa is today, so I'm on top of the tennis - she's on top of the cricket." She added: "If that wasn't enough, if you wanted more sport, we've got the British Grand Prix at Silverstone as well."
Viewers Call for Permanent Role
Social media users quickly praised Robson's hosting, with many calling for her to become a permanent presenter at The Championships. One viewer wrote on X: "Ooh Laura getting to present Wimbledon on BBC?" Another commented: "Laura Robson presenting on the BBC Two coverage of Wimbledon today," alongside heart emojis. A third said: "Nice to see @laurarobson5 standing in for @isaguha on @BBCSport this morning." Others echoed the sentiment, with one posting: "Lovely to see Laura Robson take over #Wimbledon coverage. Such a relief." Another added: "Laura Robson on hosting duties at #Wimbledon this morning... love to see it!" and a seventh wrote: "And wasn't she great? Hopefully the beginning of a transition." One viewer specifically hoped she would get "the top job in the next few years," noting she is "great on TNT."
Dramatic Day on Court
The middle Sunday featured high-stakes matches as the tournament entered its second week. Novak Djokovic and Jannik Sinner both secured quarter-final spots, while Canadian Felix Auger-Aliassime defeated Alejandro Davidovich Fokina in a gripping five-set battle on Number One Court. On Centre Court, women's world number one Aryna Sabalenka was sensationally knocked out by Japan's Naomi Osaka in straight sets, and US favorite Coco Gauff advanced just minutes before the 11pm curfew. Wimbledon coverage continues on BBC One, BBC Two, and BBC iPlayer.
