Andrew Castle is set to depart as the BBC’s lead commentator following the conclusion of Wimbledon next month, bringing to an end a 23-year stint as the voice of British tennis coverage.
Castle was behind the microphone for both of Andy Murray’s singles triumphs at the All England Club and has been a familiar face for tennis lovers.
The commentator is currently working at the Queen’s ATP event this week ahead of his final championship.
The departure appears connected to Alex Kay-Jelski, a former newspaper executive who took charge of BBC Sport two years ago, opting to steer coverage in a fresh direction.
“To be honest, when I got the job 23 years ago, a lot of the more experienced commentators felt that they should have been first in line,” he told The Times.
“Their noses were put out of joint. So, in the wider scheme of things, I am lucky that I had the best gig in sports broadcasting for so long, during the greatest age of men’s tennis.
“My wife Sophia and I are building a house, and we’re about to have a third grandchild, so things are good.
“I am not sure what will come next professionally, but whatever it is, I’ll embrace it.”
Andrew Castle will leave the BBC’s coverage of Wimbledon following the conclusion of this year’s tournament
| GETTY
Several names are being considered as potential successors, with Jonathan Overend, Nick Lester, Nick Mullins, and Marcus Buckland all in contention.
His departure follows Sue Barker’s exit as the main presenter a few years earlier, with Clare Balding subsequently stepping into that anchor role.
Reflecting on his tenure, Castle said: “It’s been a hell of a journey.
“I can’t say I have enjoyed every minute because there have been moments of pressure and controversy, but it has been a huge privilege.
Castle has been covering Wimbledon for the BBC since 2003
|
GETTY
“Luck is a big factor in life, and I’ve had my fair share. But you’ve got to make your own luck in the world.
“And that means putting yourself out there, getting rejected and picking yourself up.”
Castle noted the 2013 Wimbledon men’s final, when Murray defeated Novak Djokovic to become the first British male singles champion in 77 years, as the pinnacle of his broadcasting career.
He recalled: “That last game was something. Murray had three match points, which Djokovic saved.
Castle shared that Murray’s final against Djokovic in 2013 was the highlight of his broadcasting career
| PA
“The tension was unbearable. The director asked for a push into Andy’s eyes, a lingering shot as he was grimacing after a gruelling rally.
“I think it was deuce. He was two points away from the thing he’d always dreamt of. A line came to me: ‘Sporting immortality doesn’t come easily.'”
Reflecting on his career overall, Castle acknowledged both the highs and difficulties.
He said: “I can’t say I have enjoyed every minute because there have been moments of pressure and controversy, but it has been a huge privilege.”
