Clare Balding told Wimbledon star Flavio Cobolli he needs 'anger management training' during BBC's coverage of the tournament on Wednesday. The presenter admitted to having a favourite player, breaking a broadcasting golden rule, after the Italian's eyebrow-raising on-court interview.
Balding's Bold Comment
Following the channel's switch from tennis on BBC1 to World Cup coverage, Balding addressed viewers on BBC2. She discussed how Cobolli needed two days to beat Mariano Navone after play was stopped for bad light. Balding then described the Italian as one of her 'favourites'.
“I know we're not meant to have favourites but he is one of my favourites,” she said. “I love Flavio Cobolli. Although he clearly now needs a bit of anger management training.”
Cobolli's Controversial Interview
During his on-court interview, Cobolli joked: “I just wanna break something now. You see? I need to hit something! I think I will hit my dad now.” When pressed, he added: “For sure. The first person that I will hit. I still don't know with what. You'll see tomorrow if he has a black thing on the face.”
Cobolli's father, Stefano, is a former professional player who has coached his son since Flavio was 17 years old.
BBC Under Fire
The BBC faced criticism for its Wimbledon coverage, including accusations of bias during Serena Williams' comeback singles match on Tuesday. Frequent channel switches, as England's World Cup match against DR Congo took centre stage on Wednesday, also drew scrutiny. During the football coverage, the BBC diverted attention to discuss Williams' match against Maya Joint.
Aussie youngster Joint won the match in three sets, raising questions about Williams' singles career. Cobolli advanced to the second round, where he will face James Duckworth.
