BBC presenter Isa Guha delivered an emotional on-air tribute to two tennis legends during the 2026 Wimbledon Championships, leaving fans deeply moved. The tribute came as Stan Wawrinka and Dan Evans played their final matches at the prestigious tournament.
Wawrinka's Emotional Farewell
Three-time Grand Slam champion Stan Wawrinka, 41, was reduced to 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. As a kid, you always dream about maybe being here one day and I had the chance to play here so many times. That kind of support also meant so much to me, so thank you so much for all of these years."
Guha's Live Tribute
Just minutes into Wednesday's live broadcast, Guha reflected on Wawrinka's match, saying: "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 a clip of Wawrinka's interview, Guha remarked: "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."
Fans Left 'In Pieces'
BBC audiences were similarly moved. One viewer posted on X: "Sad moment when we lose great players like Stan who has given us so many great memories." Another commented: "The more this clip flashes more tears shed from me. Stan the man." A third wrote: "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."
Tribute to Dan Evans
Guha also paid tribute to British player Dan Evans, who played his final Wimbledon match that morning. "He has always shown plenty of fight and grit throughout his career, plenty of defiance," she said. "We will miss you, Dan. One of the great characters in British tennis."
The 2026 Championships have seen gripping Centre Court encounters featuring World Number One Jannik Sinner and seven-time champion Novak Djokovic, as well as Serena Williams' return to the sport after her 2022 retirement, where she lost to 20-year-old Australian Maya Joint.
