BBC presenter Isa Guha delivered two emotional on-air tributes during the Wimbledon broadcast on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, following tearful farewells from tennis legends Stan Wawrinka and British player Dan Evans. The 2026 Championships opened with dramatic matches, including Serena Williams' first-round defeat and Wawrinka's final appearance.
Stan Wawrinka's Emotional Farewell
Three-time Grand Slam champion Stan Wawrinka, aged 41, broke down in tears after losing his opening match to Matteo Berrettini on Court One. The match lasted 4 hours and 20 minutes, with all four sets going to tiebreaks, including a second-set tiebreak that Berrettini won 18-16. Wawrinka, who is retiring at the end of the season, said in his on-court interview: "I don't want to retire, but I know it is time for me to stop playing. One of the reasons I've kept playing for such a long time is to enjoy the moments like tonight. There were so many emotions." He added: "I'm so grateful to have this opportunity, to receive the wildcard, to have the chance to play one last time at Wimbledon. It is such a special tournament."
Isa Guha's Tribute to Wawrinka
Minutes into the live broadcast, Guha said: "Before we head out for live tennis, let's just reflect on another great story from late last night. Three-time Grand Slam champion, 41-year-old Stan Wawrinka's last Wimbledon came to an end after an incredible match against Matteo Berrettini on Number One Court. All four sets went to tiebreaks, including the second set tiebreak, which Berrettini won 18-16. The Italian won in 4 hours and 20 minutes. Emotional scenes." After playing a clip of Wawrinka's interview, Guha added: "Incredibly emotional scenes. All good things come to an end. Thank you for the memories, Stan. 19 appearances here at the Championships and made the quarter finals twice. He is a fan favourite and he will be missed."
Viewers React to Wawrinka's Exit
BBC viewers shared their emotions on social media. One person wrote on X: "Sad moment when we lose great players like Stan who has given us so many great memories." Another added: "The more this clip flashes more tears shed from me. Stan the man." A third said: "What a lovely speech from #Wawrinka. I'm sobbing for him. It means so much to him. He doesn't want to retire but feels he has to. Berrettini chased him down the hall inside to hug him. I'm in pieces."
Dan Evans Also Honoured
Guha later paid tribute to British player Dan Evans, who played his last Wimbledon match that morning. She said: "He has always shown plenty of fight and grit throughout his career, plenty of defiance. We will miss you, Dan. One of the great characters in British tennis."
Other Wimbledon Highlights
The Championships also featured tense Centre Court matches involving World Number One Jannik Sinner and seven-time champion Novak Djokovic. Serena Williams, returning after her 2022 retirement, was defeated by 20-year-old Australian Maya Joint in a late-night thriller.
Wimbledon coverage continues on BBC One and BBC Two, and is available to stream on BBC iPlayer.
