As the anticipation builds for The Championships, the BBC has officially revealed the lineup of presenters, pundits, and commentators set to guide viewers through the prestigious grass-court tournament. The announcement confirms the return of many familiar and highly regarded voices in tennis broadcasting, while also highlighting a couple of notable absences from last year`s roster.
Leading the daily coverage will be Isa Guha for the initial hours of play, seamlessly handing over to the experienced Clare Balding for the afternoon sessions. The nightly wrap-up show, “Today at Wimbledon,” will continue to be helmed by Qasa Alom, who took over presenting duties for the program in 2023.
Viewers can expect insights and analysis from a deep bench of former players and experts. The roster includes tennis icons such as John McEnroe, Tim Henman, and Martina Navratilova, who remain staples of the BBC`s coverage. They will be joined by a rotating cast featuring names like Billie Jean King, Pat Cash, Tracy Austin, and Annabel Croft, among many others, providing a wealth of experience and varied perspectives.
Absences Spark Discussion
One name conspicuously absent from the confirmed list is Nick Kyrgios. The Australian, a former Wimbledon finalist and participant in last year`s BBC coverage, will not be returning to the commentary box. Kyrgios himself commented on the decision, reportedly describing it as “unfortunate” and suggesting it was “probably their loss more than mine,” finding the move “very strange.” His often candid and unconventional commentary style will evidently not feature in this year`s broadcast.
Joining the list of those not gracing the commentary booth is British tennis great Andy Murray. Following his retirement from professional tennis last year, there was speculation about a potential move into broadcasting. However, the two-time Wimbledon champion has apparently not been tempted into a punditry role for this year`s tournament.
Beyond the Courtside Sofa
In addition to the main television coverage, the BBC will provide extensive radio commentary, primarily through 5 Live. The radio team, led by Gigi Salmon, Clare McDonnell, and Steve Crossman, will also feature contributions from familiar voices like Pat Cash, Annabel Croft, Laura Robson, and Greg Rusedski.
A popular feature, the “6-Love-6” phone-in, will also make its return, with John McEnroe and Tim Henman once again ready to field calls and discuss the day`s events – likely providing ample opportunity for opinion and, in McEnroe`s case, potential `unmissable` moments.
Viewing Experience Updates
This year introduces a slight twist to how fans can access highlights. While individual match highlights will be readily available on BBC iPlayer, the traditional “Today at Wimbledon” highlight show will see a schedule adjustment during the first week. Instead of a fixed slot on BBC Two while live play is still happening elsewhere, the program is now scheduled to begin after the live action concludes for the day.
Reports suggest this means the show could start as late as close to midnight on the first Monday, with later starts depending on the finish time of matches. From the second week onwards, with play typically concluding earlier, the highlight show is expected to air at a more conventional time, such as 8pm. It seems viewers wanting the full daily summary might need to adjust their evening routines accordingly, especially during the packed initial days.
Overall, the BBC`s plan for Wimbledon 2024 blends seasoned expertise and beloved personalities with some practical adjustments to broadcast times, promising comprehensive coverage of the sport`s most famous fortnight, albeit without certain voices that some viewers might have anticipated.
