BBC commentator Andrew Castles has opened up on the Beeb’s plea to Roger Federer as the broadcaster hoped that he would commentate at Wimbledon this year. The eight-time SW19 champion did return to the tournament on Tuesday to watch Andy Murray defeat Ryan Peniston in straight sets, but was instead sat in the Royal Box.
The pair enjoyed an endearing exchange after Murray’s 6-3, 6-0, 6-1 win as he singled Federer out next to the Swiss icon’s wife and the Princess of Wales – as he claimed it was “nice to have some tennis royalty” there. Federer may have come close to sitting alongside the commentators, however, as he was tipped for a role with the BBC this year.
In February, The Telegraph claimed that a deal was on the cards to see the 41-year-old return as a commentator alongside the likes of Tim Henman and John McEnroe. However, in a social media exchange with fans he quickly shot down the idea as he said: “No plans to commentate this year!”
Perhaps leaving the door open to future commentary endeavours, Castles may have hinted how close a deal was – while commentating on Murray. “We thought we’d get him in the commentary box this year, but he seems to prefer the Royal Box… can’t understand it. Sitting next to the Princess of Wales,” the commentator joked.
Upon Federer’s retirement at the Laver Cup last year, he insisted that while he was stepping away as a professional player – he would not walk away from the game completely and before retirement, he did tease a future role in broadcasting.
“I would like to keep doing exhibition matches and I know that I still have the chance to fill stadiums. It doesn’t always have to be 52,000 like in Cape Town,” he told tagesanzeiger. “I never thought I would say this. But six months ago I suddenly thought: commentating on tennis someday, who knows? Although I always said I would never do that. But to commentate on some matches at Wimbledon.”
However, Federer and the BBC were unable to come to an agreement this year for him to join the commentators’ booth – though he is clearly revered by those at the Beeb.
Henman told Express Sport: “As he said when he announced his retirement, he’s never going to walk away from the game because he loves the game too much and he’s too passionate about the game, but what specifically he ends up doing I don’t know.
“He’s been an amazing champion in our sport, the most incredible ambassador in our sport and he’s a good friend of mine, so I definitely hope I get to see him a bit more.”
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