BBC viewers expressed outrage on social media after the broadcaster made a controversial decision during Tuesday's Wimbledon comeback of Serena Williams. The legendary American's return to SW19 was such big news that it even interrupted the BBC's World Cup programming.
World Cup Coverage Interrupted
Viewers were left furious after World Cup pundits chose to divert attention away from Norway's 2-1 victory over the Ivory Coast to discuss Serena Williams' Wimbledon comeback. Erling Haaland netted a late winner to fire his nation into the last 16 moments before the 44-year-old Williams was set to make her highly anticipated return to SW19.
Williams faced Australian Maya Joint in her first singles matchup since the 2022 US Open. While BBC2 was covering the tennis, BBC1 was broadcasting the evening's opening World Cup fixture. However, presenter Gabby Logan opted to steer the conversation towards the tennis, much to the annoyance of those tuning in for the football.
Social Media Backlash
Viewers took to social media to vent their anger. @TMUFC posted on X: "What the h*** are they playing on bbc???? World Cup on and we're hearing about Serena Williams." @MutedIrish added: "BBC blabbering on about Serena Williams for 3 minutes in the middle of a World Cup game. Ridiculous." @350Deep echoed the feeling: "World Cup going on and BBC commentating about Serena Williams?? What the h*** is going on?" @Christo82406026 chimed in: "F*** me #BBC more interested in Serena Williams returning than commentating on the football."
Channel Switching Frustrations
Meanwhile, scores more were left irritated that the fixture forced them to switch channels, a recurring grievance throughout the tournament. During the second set at 8.30pm, presenter Clare Balding informed viewers coverage would be moving from BBC2 to BBC1 following Norway's victory over Ivory Coast. The announcement didn't go down well with those already tuned in on BBC2, who were left scrambling for their remotes.
@miss_tracydav complained: "For the love of god bbc stop moving the tennis between channels and then waffling over it!" @OKRJohn wrote: "@bbc @Wimbledon just keep the coverage on BBC2. Bloody nuts keep changing! And bring back Sue Barker and rid of Claire Balding!!!" @BettyBlack74 added: "@BBC @Wimbledon. Can you not just keep the tennis on BBC2 from start to finish. It's ridiculous, keep changing channels. I appreciate there is the iPlayer but for some older people like my mam at 88 she just wants to watch tennis on a normal channel."
