BBC Wimbledon commentator Andrew Castle forced to apologise amid fierce backlash

Wales Online

09-07-2025

BBC Wimbledon commentator Andrew Castle forced to apologise amid fierce backlash
The commentator has been publicly called out by Ben Shelton's famous girlfriend for what he did
Broadcaster and former tennis player Andrew Castle
(Image: Getty Images )
BBC commentator Andrew Castle has apologised after repeatedly using the wrong name for US football star Trinity Rodman during a Wimbledon broadcast, sparking backlash online.
Castle referred to Rodman — who is the girlfriend of American tennis player Ben Shelton — as "Tiffany" several times during Shelton's fourth-round clash with Lorenzo Sonego on Monday. Social media users slammed the mistake, calling it careless and accusing Castle of showing a 'lack of care' and even a 'microaggression.'
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Rodman, 22, who is a US international footballer and Olympic gold medallist, is the estranged daughter of NBA legend Dennis Rodman.
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Castle also referenced her father during the broadcast, saying: 'Her father is Dennis Rodman, who's one of the greatest sportsmen of all time in my opinion.
"The greatest rebounder in NBA history and the biggest wind-up merchant of all time.'
The remarks drew criticism online, with many questioning the relevance of mentioning Dennis Rodman given Trinity's well-documented distant relationship with him.
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Taking to social media afterwards, Rodman wrote: 'My name is Trinity for those who don't know."
She added: 'My dad's not even in MY life, no need to bring him up during HIS matches when I don't even want him talked about during mine.
"It's him and his loved ones' moment. Thank you.'
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Trinity Rodman, professional football player and girlfriend of Ben Shelton of United States
(Image: Getty Images )
Shelton, 22, is coached by his father, former pro Bryan Shelton, who was also present in the player box alongside Rodman.
In a statement, a BBC spokesperson said: 'Andrew apologises for mispronouncing Trinity Rodman's name during the Ben Shelton vs. Lorenzo Sonego match.'
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Castle, 61, has faced criticism for previous on-air comments.
In 2016, he was accused of sexism after saying 'It's a pity my dentist doesn't look like that,' while cameras focused on the girlfriend of British player Marcus Willis.
Last year, he drew complaints for referring to Carlos Alcaraz as simply 'the Spaniard,' and in 2022 he was criticised for expressing support for jailed former tennis star Boris Becker during Queen's coverage.
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Shelton, seeded 10th, is set to face world No. 1 Jannik Sinner in the Wimbledon quarter-finals on Wednesday.