Action at SW19 to remain a free hit

WIMBLEDON authorities have promised the tournament will remain free to air for the foreseeable future as the nation prepares to settle on the sofa for the year’s longest day of tennis.

Manic Monday goes into full swing today with all fourth-round singles matches involving the last 16 players in both draws being played.

The queue for tickets to see Rafa Nadal and Roger Federer on Centre Court – along with Jo Konta, the last remaining home hope in the singles – started on Saturday, more than 36 hours before gates opened.

Millions of fans are also expected to tune in at home – many more than have been able to watch the Cricket World Cup, also reaching its final stages.

Sky Sports have bowed to pressure to broadcast the cricket final free if it involves England, after BT Sport did similar with the Champions League final.

Wimbledon remains the preserve of free-to-air viewers, and with more than 15 hours live coverage split between BBC1 and BBC2 today, everyone gets a front-row seat.

All England Lawn Tennis Club chief Richard Lewis said: “We have got a contract with the BBC until 2024 and think the BBC do a great job for us, and we do a great deal for them.

“They are also very keen to help sports grow. It is one of the great strengths of Wimbledon that is has been free to air for nearly 100 years.

“I can’t envisage that ever changing at all – we are very, very comfortable with the relationship.

“We just try to stage the Championships as well as we can and we think the BBC are a great partner.”