BBC viewers have expressed outrage over the broadcaster's coverage of Wimbledon, particularly after a channel change caused them to miss a crucial moment in the match between Novak Djokovic and Wu Yibing. The tournament began on Monday, June 29, with the BBC switching between BBC One and BBC Two to broadcast the action from SW19, alongside streaming on iPlayer.
Missed Set Point Sparks Fury
During the evening coverage, as former Wimbledon champion Novak Djokovic served to stay in the second set against Wu Yibing, the BBC switched channels. Viewers reported that both channels displayed an advertisement during the transition, and by the time coverage resumed, the set was over. Wu Yibing had won the set, but fans missed the live moment.
One viewer posted on X: "They didn't just miss that Wu set win because they were changing channel. Oh wait... they did. Shambles." Another said: "Shocking from @BBCSport to leave the channel at such a crucial point to switch channels and it's not even on there!!"
Viewers Call Coverage 'A Joke'
Multiple fans took to social media to voice their frustration. One commented: "Fed up of BBC coverage of #wimbledon only just started and already there is constant channel hopping, and missing crucial stages of the match as a result is unacceptable." Another viewer wrote: "The BBC coverage of Wimbledon truly is a joke. An absolute disgrace. If you're going to follow a match live, then don't keep switching channels halfway through. Either dedicate yourself to the tournament, or let it go."
A different user noted: "Would have been nice to watch that set point live @BBC but instead you switched from BBC One to BBC Two with no great hurry... missed the set point and now they’re closing the roof so there’s a delay anyway - Could you not have waited one minute?!"
Disruption Spoils Tension
Some viewers said the channel change "spoiled the tension," with one exclaiming: "Channel change at set point @BBCSport - really!!" Another added: "Shocking #Wimbledon coverage from BBC there." The BBC has not yet responded to the complaints. Wimbledon coverage continues on BBC One, BBC Two, and BBC iPlayer.
