Cut out the pre-recorded Wimbledon waffle

SIR – As a former BBC executive, it saddens me to conclude that this year’s coverage of Wimbledon tennis is the worst that I have seen.

Two examples particularly infuriated me. When Rafael Nadal arrived on court for the first time, I wanted to enjoy the ovation from the crowd. Instead, we cut to an irrelevant pre-recorded interview with him – and returned to court to find that we had missed his first game.

When Roger Federer arrived, instead of seeing the ovation and knock-up, we endured a pre-recorded account of his successful years from John McEnroe, and a pointless pre-recorded interview with fans who had camped overnight to get a ticket.

During one recent sporting event, we were given the opportunity to watch play without commentary. It did not detract from our enjoyment. If this is technically possible, why isn’t it more widely available? After all, spectators at Wimbledon and the World Cup are spared unnecessary commentary.

Eastbourne, East Sussex

SIR – Could somebody please enlighten me as to what percentage of the seats at Wimbledon are allocated by public ballot?

I have applied through the ballot for the past 10 years and only have been successful once. Watching various matches on centre court this week, I spotted a number of empty seats – presumably debenture holders. I do not have the necessary credentials to sit in the royal box, so it would seem that I am destined for Henman Hill.

Beryl Walker

Teddington, Middlesex