Tim Henman pays tribute to Andrew Castle after his final Wimbledon commentary
Tim Henman has paid tribute to Andrew Castle following the veteran commentator’s final appearance as part of the BBC team at Wimbledon. Castle’s departure from the commentary box was confirmed before the Championships, with the former British No 1 choosing to step away entirely after being informed he would not be commentating on the men’s final next year.
Castle has been a fixture at SW19 for 23 years, building a career in television and radio after his playing days concluded. His final match as a commentator at Wimbledon was the men’s final between Jannik Sinner and Alexander Zverev, a match won by the Italian in four sets. Henman and Andre Agassi were alongside Castle in the commentary box for this event.
A fitting farewell
Henman expressed that it was a fitting match for his long-time colleague’s farewell. He thanked Castle for their many years together in the commentary box, acknowledging the lessons he had learned from him. Henman also noted that he would miss Castle significantly, calling it a great way to conclude his tenure.
Castle and Henman previously shared the commentary box when Andy Murray secured a historic victory, ending a 73-year wait for a British winner of the men’s grass court grand slam. Castle recounted a memorable moment from Murray’s win over Novak Djokovic in 2013, where an excited Henman accidentally elbowed him in the head during match point.
Castle, in turn, reflected on his long acquaintance with Henman, stating he had known him since he was a teenager. He thanked Henman for his companionship and wished him well. Castle signed off his final broadcast by expressing his pleasure and privilege in watching tennis greats like Sinner, Carlos Alcaraz, Roger Federer, Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, and particularly Andy Murray, over the years.
Departure from the BBC
Castle had previously revealed his disappointment regarding his exit from the BBC’s Wimbledon coverage. He indicated that he was being “booted” off the coverage, a sentiment he reiterated on Sunday. The broadcaster intends for Andrew Cotter to take over as the lead commentator for next year’s men’s final.
During a segment before the men’s final, Castle was joined by John Lloyd and presenter Rishi Persad. The segment was concluded due to time constraints, but Persad took a moment to wish Castle well. Castle admitted to feeling sad about his departure, highlighting his fond memories, including working with Lloyd.
Lloyd, who will also not be part of next year’s coverage, commented on his long career, noting he started when television was still in black and white. He praised Castle, stating it had been a pleasure to work with him. Castle mentioned that his children were young when he did his first Wimbledon final and are now married with one expecting a child, suggesting he would have plenty to do, including playing golf with Lloyd next week.
Castle confirmed his decision to decline remaining part of the team for next year after being informed that the BBC was moving in a different direction for the final. He explained that once one has covered the final, other roles feel less significant. He described his sadness and disappointment, acknowledging a sense of grief due to the many memories associated with the role, which he never took for granted.
Castle stated that the news of his demotion was unexpected but delivered respectfully. After a meeting with Phil Bernie from BBC Sport, who informed him of the change, Castle discussed it with his wife Sophia and children before deciding to decline further involvement. John Lloyd will also be leaving the BBC team.
Andrew Cotter is expected to assume lead commentary duties for the men’s final at Wimbledon next year.
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Source: independent.co.uk