Tim Henman paid a heartfelt tribute to Andrew Castle following his final Wimbledon commentary for the BBC. The broadcaster's lead television commentator, who has commentated on the Championships for the past 23 years, is leaving the corporation this summer.
News that the BBC would be dropping him going forwards came out before play got underway at the All England Club. Castle shared the change in an interview with The Times before his employers eventually confirmed it with an official statement.
Henman's Live On-Air Tribute
Before Castle signed off, his long-standing colleague Henman thanked him live on air. The four-time Wimbledon semi-finalist said: "Andrew, I've got to head up to the studio now, but I want to take the opportunity to thank you so much for sharing the commentary box with you for so many years. You've been an absolute star, you've taught me so much, and I'll miss you a lot, but what a great way to finish off."
Castle responded: "I knew you when you were an annoying 14-year-old, and I've known you that whole time. Thanks for your company, and you, Andre." Andre Agassi and Henman joined Castle in the commentary box for the men's singles final. Jannik Sinner successfully defended his title with a 6-7, 7-6, 6-3, 6-4 victory over French Open champion Alexander Zverev.
Castle's Emotional Sign-Off
Castle continued: "Tim, all the best, and take care. See you, mate. I shall never forget Tim Henman shooting up in 2013 when Andy Murray won and elbowing me right in the head on match point because he was so excited." He signed off by saying: "What a pleasure and a privilege it has been to watch him [Sinner] and [Carlos] Alcaraz and [Roger] Federer and [Novak] Djokovic and [Rafael] Nadal, and Andy Murray perhaps in particular, over the years. Take care and thank you."
Earlier in the broadcast, Castle had remarked: "Yes, I am a bit sad about it, of course. I have fabulous memories, even working with John (Lloyd). And John is finishing as well, we're being put out to grass, I mean, that's it. Booted."
Lloyd Also Departs
Lloyd responded warmly: "I've had a good run. We were talking about it earlier. I started when there was still black-and-white TV, so it's been a while. You didn't start that young, you're much younger than me, and you were great to work with, and I loved every minute of it."
Castle brought things to a close with: "Well, I did too. My kids were eight and 10 when I did my first Wimbledon final, and they're now married. One has children, and there's one expecting on the way, so don't tell me there's nothing to do."
