Andrew Castle, commentating on his final Wimbledon as lead commentator for the BBC, faced live on-air rebuke from co-commentator Todd Woodbridge and backlash from viewers for remarks made during Jannik Sinner's fourth-round victory over Shintaro Mochizuki. Castle, 62, is stepping down after this year's Championships as part of the BBC's modernisation of its tennis coverage.
Castle's Controversial Comments
During Sinner's 6-3, 7-6(0), 6-3 win, with the Italian leading 4-3 in the second set, Castle said: 'It probably feels for Sinner like this guy didn't play the game.' Woodbridge immediately interjected: 'That's a bit harsh.' Castle continued: '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 reframe 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
Viewers took to social media to criticise Castle's remarks. 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 wrote: '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.'
Castle's Departure
Castle's exit from the BBC was confirmed after he was told he would be demoted from lead commentator. He told 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.' Alex Kay-Jelski, the BBC's director of sport, had previously stated he wanted Castle to remain part of the commentary team.
Sinner's Response
After the match, Sinner praised Mochizuki, who came through qualifying: '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 defending champion will face Jan-Lennard Struff in the quarter-finals on Tuesday.
