Tim Henman made sure to thank Andrew Castle after the commentator’s last Wimbledon final for the BBC (Image: BBC)
Tim Henman paid tribute to Andrew Castle after he commentated on his last Wimbledon final for the BBC. Their lead television commentator, who has covered the Championships for the past 23 years, is leaving after this summer.
The decision was announced ahead of the action getting underway at the All England Club, as Castle spoke about the change in an interview with The Times before the BBC belatedly confirmed it with a statement of their own about the broadcaster. He has now said goodbye to viewers, but not before his longtime colleague Henman thanked him live on air.
The four-time Wimbledon semi-finalist said: “Andrew, I’ve got to head up to the studio now, but I want to take the opportunity to thank you so much for sharing the commentary box with you for so many years. You’ve been an absolute star, you’ve taught me so much, and I’ll miss you a lot, but what a great way to finish off.”
Castle responded by saying: “I knew you when you were an annoying 14-year-old, and I’ve known you that whole time. Thanks for your company, and you, Andre.”
Andre Agassi and Henman joined Castle on commentary for the men’s singles final. Jannik Sinner retained his title after winning 6-7, 7-6, 6-3, 6-4 over the French Open champion Alexander Zverev.
Castle continued: “Tim, all the best, and take care. See you, mate. I shall never forget Tim Henman shooting up in 2013 when Andy Murray won and elbowing me right in the head on match point because he was so excited.”
Andrew Castle will no longer be commentating for the BBC on their television coverage of Wimbledon (Image: Getty)
He signed off by saying: “What a pleasure and a privilege it has been to watch him [Sinner] and [Carlos] Alcaraz and [Roger[ Federer and [Novak] Djokovic and [Rafael] Nadal, and Andy Murray perhaps in particular, over the years. Take care and thank you.”
Castle said earlier in the broadcast: “Yes, I am a bit sad about it of course. I have fabulous memories, even working with John ( Lloyd). And John is finishing as well, we’re being put out to grass, I mean, that’s it. Booted.”
Lloyd added: “I’ve had a good run. We were talking about it earlier, I started when there was still black and white TV, so it’s been a while. You didn’t start that young, you’re much younger than me, and you were great to work with, and I loved every minute of it.”
Castle concluded: “Well, I did too. My kids were eight and 10 when I did my first Wimbledon final, and they’re now married. One has children, and there’s one expecting on the way, so don’t tell me there’s nothing to do.”