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Andrew Castle told off live on air as 'disgraceful' Wimbledon remark sparks backlash

Andrew Castle was rebuked live on air by co-commentator Todd Woodbridge during Jannik Sinner's win over Shintaro Mochizuki

[Andrew Castle]

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Andrew Castle is commentating on his final Wimbledon with the BBC(Image: Getty)

Andrew Castle may be commentating on his final Wimbledon but that hasn't prevented him from being pulled up live on air, with viewers labelling one remark he made during Jannik Sinner's match as 'disgraceful'. This is Castle's last Championship as lead commentator as the BBC seeks to freshen up its coverage.

The BBC's director of sport had indicated he wanted Castle to remain as part of Wimbledon's commentary team amid the fallout from the broadcaster's departure. Alex Kay-Jelski confirmed that the 62-year-old had chosen to leave the corporation after being informed he was being stripped of his lead commentator role and that this year's men's final would be his last.

Yet if Castle was hoping for the perfect farewell, he was sorely mistaken, as remarks made during Sinner's 6-3 7-6 (0) 6-3 victory over Shintaro Mochizuki not only saw him rebuked by co-commentator Todd Woodbridge, but also sparked fury among viewers watching at home.

With Sinner leading the second set 4-3, Castle said: "It probably feels for Sinner like this guy didn't play the game." But Woodbridge immediately replied: "That's a bit harsh."

Castle then continued: "You know what I mean? When you are trying to break someone down that is clearly inferior in so many departments and yet so awkward, I am full of admiration for Mochizuki, but this is the way Sinner feels now I am sure."

[Day Seven: The Championships - Wimbledon 2026]

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Sinner embraces Shintaro Mochizuki after his ruthless win(Image: Getty)

Before Woodbridge said: "I think what you are trying to say is because there isn't the regular power and shot shape we see in the game today, it is a throwback type of game."

Castle's remarks failed to impress viewers at home, with one fan writing on X: "I've never heard anything that disgraceful from a commentator in tennis before, just ugly."

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While another posted: "@bbctennis @BBCSport Andrew Castle basically saying Mochizuki is crap and can't play tennis.. What round of Wimbledon did you get to in your career, then, Andrew?".

A third wrote: "Andrew Castle is a disgrace at the moment. Even his co-commentator says he is being harsh on Shintaro Mochizuki, hinting he can't play the game of tennis. He is in the 4th round! Glad it's his final year at BBC Wimbledon."

A fourth viewer posted on social media: "I'm honestly feeling so sorry for Todd Woodbridge having to bring some respect to the commentator booth with Andrew Castle."

[BBC microphone]

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Andrew Castle made the comment during this moment in Jannik Sinner's match(Image: Getty)

A fifth added: "I'm delighted that after this year's championships I won't have to listen to Andrew Castle commentating on anymore #Wimbledon matches."

While another took to X to write: "@BBCSport Thank god it is the last year of Andrew Castle commentary at Wimbledon. Absolutely dreadful performance tonight, feel so sorry for his Co Commentator, Todd....@bbctennis."

Castle confessed he had been deeply wounded by the BBC's move, telling the Daily Telegraph ahead of this year's tournament: "Am I upset? Yeah, I was upset, and I will stay that way this year, knowing it's my last. But all good things come to an end."

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Meanwhile, Sinner reflected on his victory over Mochizuki, saying: "Yes, first of all thanks for staying this long. First time we play against (each other), so I didn't know exactly what to expect but tried to handle certain situations better than him. I think I did but he's an incredible player.

"To come from qualies and play such a high level for as long as he did, I wish him nothing but the best and he should be proud of himself. Still, very happy with today's performance and trying to step up a little bit better every day."

The reigning champion will now go head-to-head with German Jan-Lennard Struff in the quarter-finals on Tuesday.

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