Andrew Castle made the harsh comment in this moment during Jannik Sinner’s match (Image: BBC)
Andrew Castle might be commentating on his last Wimbledon – but that hasn’t stopped him from being told off live on air, with fans branding one comment he made during Jannik Sinner’s match ‘disgraceful’. This is Castle’s last Championship as lead commentator as the BBC looks to modernise its output.
The BBC’s director of sport had said he wanted Castle to stay as part of Wimbledon’s commentary team amid the fallout from the broadcaster’s departure. Alex Kay-Jelski confirmed that the 62-year-old had decided to quit the corporation after being told that he was being demoted from lead commentator – and that this year’s men’s final would be his last.
But if Castle was hoping for the perfect swansong, then he was wrong, as comments made during Sinner’s 6-3 7-6 (0) 6-3 win over Shintaro Mochizuki not only saw him get shut down by co-commentator Todd Woodbridge, but also outraged viewers watching at home.
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With Sinner leading the second set 4-3, Castle said: “It probably feels for Sinner like this guy didn’t play the game.” But Woodbridge immediately replied: “That’s a bit harsh.”
Castle then 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.”
Before Woodbridge said: “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.”
And Castle’s comments did not go down well at home, with one viewer writing on X: “I’ve never heard anything that disgraceful from a commentator in tennis before, just ugly.”
Andrew Castle decided to quit the BBC after being told that he was being demoted from lead commentat (Image: Getty)
While 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 wrote: “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.”
Another said on social media: “I’m honestly feeling so sorry for Todd Woodbridge having to bring some respect to the commentator booth with Andrew Castle.”
A fifth said: “I’m delighted that after this year’s championships I won’t have to listen to Andrew Castle commentating on anymore #Wimbledon matches.”
While another wrote on X: “@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 embraces Shintaro Mochizuki after his ruthless win (Image: Getty)
Castle admitted he had been hurt by the BBC’s decision, telling the Daily Telegraph before the start of this year’s 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.”
While Sinner said after his win over Mochizuki: “Yes, first of all thanks for staying this long. 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. Still, very happy with today’s performance and trying to step up a little bit better every day.”
The defending champion will now face German Jan-Lennard Struff in the quarter-final on Tuesday.