BBC presenter Isa Guha delivered two poignant on-air tributes during Wednesday's Wimbledon coverage following emotional farewells from Stan Wawrinka and Dan Evans.
Wawrinka's Emotional Final Match
Stan Wawrinka, the 41-year-old three-time Grand Slam champion, became tearful after his opening-round defeat 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.
During his on-court interview, Wawrinka said: "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."
Guha's Tribute to Wawrinka
Guha reflected on Wawrinka's career during the broadcast: "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... Emotional scenes." After showing a clip of his interview, she added: "Incredibly emotional scenes. All good things come to an end." She continued: "Thank you for the memories, Stan. 19 appearances here at the Championships and [he] made the quarter finals twice. He is a fan favourite and he will be missed."
Viewer Reactions and Evans Farewell
BBC viewers were moved by Wawrinka's departure. One posted on X: "Sad moment when we lose great players like Stan who has given us so many great memories." Another wrote: "The more this clip flashes more tears shed from me. Stan the man," while a third said: "What a lovely speech from #Wawrinka. I'm sobbing for him."
Guha also honoured British player Dan Evans, who competed in his final Wimbledon match. "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."
Other Wimbledon Highlights
The 2026 Championships also featured gripping Centre Court encounters with World Number One Jannik Sinner and seven-time champion Novak Djokovic. Serena Williams, who came out of retirement in 2022, lost her opening-round match to 20-year-old Australian Maya Joint.
