Smashing it
AS WIMBLEDON 2022 GETS UNDER WAY, ANDREW CASTLE HOLDS COURT…
We’ll not miss a moment of this year’s 135th Wimbledon Championships, as the BBC serves up all the action across the tennis tournament’s fabulous fortnight. Sue Barker is our legendary host for one final time, having announced she’ll be stepping down after three glorious decades.
Sue is joined again by Clare Balding and a host of former Wimbledon champions, including John McEnroe, Martina Navratilova and Chris Evert – and with former British number one Andrew Castle back to ace it in the commentary box, Inside TV ‘court’ him to share what the deuce is happening…
Hello, Andrew! How much do you look forward to Wimbledon each year? It’s the number one tennis tournament in the world, and it’s on my doorstep. So, to have been able to contribute both as a player and as a BBC commentator on the Final for the past 19 years, it’s such a great privilege.
Why do you think it holds a special place in so many people’s hearts?
Before I commentated my first Wimbledon Final, the exec producer said to me, “Remember, this is very different from anything you’ve done before. It’s an event, not a tennis match” – and that’s exactly it. The tournament is an institution.
What’s the most exciting part of commentating?
The moment we’re about to begin a massive match. When I look back – like the time Andy Murray first won Wimbledon against Novak Djokovic in 2013 – it’s awesome. And to be with my fellow commentators, be it John McEnroe, Jimmy Connors, or Tim Henman, just sharing what’s in front of you…
Who are the players to watch this year?
I’m intrigued to see whether Andy takes the court as he has an abdominal strain – I hope he gets to play. And Djokovic and Rafael Nadal are off the scale. On the women’s side, there’s Iga Świątek from Poland, who’s breaking records. And we have Emma Raducanu – she also has an injury, but I’m expecting she’ll be fine. When you see her play, it’s special!
And it’s Sue Barker’s final year doing BBC coverage… I was telling her off yesterday for quitting! She’s been the absolute foundation of the entire thing and done it all in exemplary fashion.
Finally, are you a fan of Wimbledon’s strawberries and cream?
Of course! It’s just a question of which cream – and not spilling it down your suit…
THE NUMBER ONE TOURNAMENT – AND IT’S ON MY DOORSTEP!”