BBC cut three pundits from Wimbledon line-up as axed star speaks out

Wales Online

8 hours ago

BBC cut three pundits from Wimbledon line-up as axed star speaks out
The BBC has unveiled its line-up of pundits and commentators for the upcoming Wimbledon fortnight - but there are a number of notable absentees from the list
Clare Balding will lead the BBC's Wimbledon coverage this summer
(Image: BBC )
The BBC has retained many familiar faces for this year's Wimbledon punditry line-up, though a few notable names are absent. With the season's only grass-court Grand Slam tournament just days away, fans are keenly anticipating a thrilling contest under the south-west London sun.
For those unable to attend SW19, the BBC promises comprehensive coverage, delivered by a seasoned team of presenters and a distinguished panel of tennis experts. Clare Balding will spearhead the presenting team, overseeing the afternoon coverage following Isa Guha's morning stint and before Qasa Aslom takes the reins for Today at Wimbledon in the evening.
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All England Club veterans John McEnroe, Tim Henman, Martina Navratilova, Billie Jean King, Pat Cash, Tracy Austin and Annabel Croft are slated to join Balding and Guha in the studio, offering their insights on the unfolding action.
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A host of recognisable voices will be heard in the commentary box, including Andrew Castle, Andrew Cotter, Jo Durie, Anne Keothavong, Nick Mullins and Todd Woodbridge, among others.
Furthermore, the BBC has enlisted an array of tennis legends to enhance their radio coverage, with Marion Bartoli, Kim Clijsters, Laura Robson, Greg Rusedski, Naomi Broady, Daniela Hantuchova and Leon Smith all making the cut, reports the Express.
Notably, some prominent figures are missing from the BBC's Wimbledon lineup.
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Johanna Konta, formerly ranked No. 4 in the world and a British competitor who contributed to last year's studio coverage, is absent from the list.
Australian tennis star Ash Barty, who clinched the Wimbledon title in 2021 before retiring in 2022, participated in the BBC's coverage last year but won't be returning this summer, having recently announced the arrival of her second child.
(Image: Getty )
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Additionally, Nick Kyrgios, a contentious figure, is not included in the lineup.
His involvement as a BBC pundit and commentator in the previous year sparked criticism from then Women and Equalities select committee chair Caroline Nokes, who expressed that the BBC should be ashamed for collaborating with Kyrgios following his admission to assaulting his ex-girlfriend.
Responding to his exclusion, Kyrgios shared his thoughts with The Guardian, saying: "I know I'm a great commentator. All I've done for 20 years is play, study and breathe this sport.
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"I also think tennis needs commentators who say things that not everyone says. It's unfortunate but it's probably their loss more than mine."