Sir Andy Murray wanted for BBC Wimbledon gig as SW19 idol urged to join John McEnroe

Daily Record

4 hours ago

The Scot won't come out swinging on the lawns this year but is being targeted for a punditry role
Andrew Castle admits it'd be awesome to have Sir Andy Murray with him in the BBC commentary box at Wimbledon.
The 2013 and 2016 men's singles champion retired from competitive tennis after last year's Paris Olympics and will not take part in the annual showpiece at SW19.
‌
Murray defeated Novak Djokovic to win his first Wimbledon in 2013, and became first home champion at the men's event since Fred Perry in 1936.
‌
The Scottish star followed up three years later to add to his incredible CV and cement his status as one of tennis' best-ever stars and his historic achievements are to be recognised with a statue erected on the grounds by the All England Club.
Murray recently had a spell coaching Djokovic and BBC commentator Castle says it would be amazing to have his insight for telly viewers. Former heroes such as John McEnroe, Tim Henman, Martina Navratilova, Billie Jean King, Pat Cash, Tracy Austin and Annabel Croft will be on the screens with the radio coverage featuring the likes of Marion Bartoli, Kim Clijsters, Laura Robson and Greg Rusedski.
Castle was asked if he would welcome Murray into the BBC comms box in the future and, although he thinks it's a long-shot, he'll try to tempt him. The Englishman told his Betway blog: 'I'd love to hear what he has to say. I don't think it is something he is attracted to. I think he probably feels like we all just talk and he's right. We just talk so why would you want to be doing that?
'But if you heard Andy, and this is the way I would use him if I could, one or two lines per game and that's it from Andy Murray. Wouldn't that be awesome.
'I wouldn't want him sticking around like a Gary Neville for too long. It would be wonder to work with Andy because I am fascinated with how he sees the game and I would love to get him to share what's in his mind and his one-on-one combat brain. I would love him to share that with the audience and I'd love to hear it. Maybe one day it can happen, but the next time I see him, I'm going to say give us a match or two. He will say what are you offering and I'll say nothing, but I wonder if we could tempt him for a match or two?
'I would absolutely adore that. John McEnroe is absolutely incredible when he is into a match, it's so sharp. 'The same with Boris Becker, Tim Henman, Nic Kyrios who sees something and says it so well and is very articulate and then there's Martina Navratilova. I've also worked with Martina who is phenomenal to listen to. My job is to keep things rolling whereas they have that edge that only they know. The commentary box is great.'