Andrew Castle, the BBC's lead tennis commentator, was reprimanded live on air during Jannik Sinner's fourth-round match at Wimbledon after making remarks that viewers and his co-commentator deemed 'disgraceful'. Castle, who is stepping down after this year's Championships following a demotion, made the controversial comment while calling Sinner's 6-3, 7-6 (0), 6-3 victory over Japanese qualifier Shintaro Mochizuki.
Castle's Comment and Immediate Backlash
With Sinner leading the second set 4-3, Castle said: 'It probably feels for Sinner like this guy didn't play the game.' Co-commentator Todd Woodbridge immediately interjected: 'That's a bit harsh.' Castle continued: 'You know what I mean? When you are trying to break someone down that is clearly inferior in so many departments and yet so awkward, I am full of admiration for Mochizuki, but this is the way Sinner feels now I am sure.' Woodbridge then attempted to soften the remark: 'I think what you are trying to say is because there isn't the regular power and shot shape we see in the game today, it is a throwback type of game.'
Viewers at home were quick to express their outrage on social media. One wrote on X: 'I've never heard anything that disgraceful from a commentator in tennis before, just ugly.' Another said: '@bbctennis @BBCSport Andrew Castle basically saying Mochizuki is crap and can't play tennis. What round of Wimbledon did you get to in your career, then, Andrew?' A third added: 'Andrew Castle is a disgrace at the moment. Even his co-commentator says he is being harsh on Shintaro Mochizuki, hinting he can't play the game of tennis. He is in the 4th round! Glad it's his final year at BBC Wimbledon.'
Castle's Departure from BBC
This year's Wimbledon marks Castle's last as lead commentator after the BBC decided to modernise its coverage. The BBC's director of sport, Alex Kay-Jelski, confirmed that the 62-year-old had chosen to quit the corporation after being told he would be demoted from the top role. Kay-Jelski stated he had wanted Castle to remain part of the commentary team. Castle admitted to the Daily Telegraph before the tournament: 'Am I upset? Yeah, I was upset, and I will stay that way this year, knowing it's my last. But all good things come to an end.'
Fans also expressed relief at his impending exit. One said on social media: 'I'm delighted that after this year's championships I won't have to listen to Andrew Castle commentating on anymore #Wimbledon matches.' Another wrote: '@BBCSport Thank god it is the last year of Andrew Castle commentary at Wimbledon. Absolutely dreadful performance tonight, feel so sorry for his Co Commentator, Todd… @bbctennis.'
Sinner's Response and Next Match
After the match, defending champion Jannik Sinner praised Mochizuki, saying: 'First time we play against each other, so I didn't know exactly what to expect but tried to handle certain situations better than him. I think I did but he's an incredible player. To come from qualies and play such a high level for as long as he did, I wish him nothing but the best and he should be proud of himself.' Sinner will face German Jan-Lennard Struff in the quarter-final on Tuesday.
