BBC viewers flood social media with identical Andrew Castle complaint during Wimbledon final
BBC viewers have taken to social media en masse to voice their frustration with Andrew Castle’s commentary during Sunday’s Wimbledon men’s singles final.
The match between world number one Jannik Sinner and defending champion Carlos Alcaraz was broadcast on BBC One, but Castle’s presence in the commentary box sparked an immediate backlash online.
His name began trending on X, formerly Twitter, as tennis fans expressed their dissatisfaction with the broadcaster’s decision to have him lead the commentary for such a prestigious match.
The complaints started flooding in as soon as Castle began speaking, with many viewers arguing that his commentary was detracting from their enjoyment of the highly anticipated final.
One viewer wrote: “Why oh why do the BBC put Andrew Castle on lead commentary for the Men’s Singles final every year, he’s terrible. My ears have already start to bleed.”
Another frustrated fan posted: “Massive build up to this #WimbledonFinal and then BBC put Andrew Castle on commentary. Way to kill the match for me before it even starts.”
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The criticism continued with one person noting: “Wow Andrew Castle is so bad he is already trending internationally.”
“Heart sinks when I hear the words ‘… and your commentator is Andrew Castle’. Ruins enjoyment of every match. @BBCSport needs to cut the chord,” another viewer pleaded.
Castle, 61, was Britain’s number one player in the mid-1980s, reaching the second round at Wimbledon in both 1986 and 1987.
He also reached the Australian Open mixed doubles final in 1987 before transitioning to broadcasting, where he has become a regular fixture in the BBC’s Wimbledon coverage.
This wasn’t his first time trending during the fortnight. When Andre Agassi joined the BBC commentary team for the semi-final between Alcaraz and Taylor Fritz, viewers praised the former champion’s insights whilst simultaneously highlighting how much better he was than Castle.
One viewer commented: “Andrew Castle being given such an important role in this final after all of the complaints about him in the semi is embarrassing. He really adds zilch to the commentary booth.”
The BBC’s commentary team for this year’s tournament has included John McEnroe, Tim Henman, Martina Navratilova, Billie Jean King, Pat Cash, Tracy Austin and Annabel Croft as pundits.
Castle has been working alongside fellow commentators Andrew Cotter, Jo Durie, Anne Keothavong, Nick Mullins and Todd Woodbridge.
Castle’s commentary style has previously drawn criticism from Nick Kyrgios, who clashed with him during his 2024 stint with the BBC.
The Australian player accused Castle of being disrespectful following his comments about big-servers Taylor Fritz and Alexander Zverev whilst commentating.
BBC Radio 5 Live has employed Marion Bartoli, Kim Clijsters, Laura Robson, Greg Rusedski, Naomi Broady, Daniela Hantuchova and Leon Smith as pundits.
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