Wimbledon: Tim Henman pays tribute to Andrew Castle after final commentary

By Lewis Hartnell · Senior Football Correspondent · 13.07.2026

By Lewis Hartnell — 13 July 2026 — 3 min read

Tim Henman has paid tribute to Andrew Castle following the veteran commentator’s final match as part of the BBC team at Wimbledon. It was confirmed before the Championships that the 2026 edition would mark Castle‘s last commentary stint, with the former British number one deciding to step away after being informed he would not be commentating on the final next year.

Castle has dedicated 23 years to working for the BBC at SW19, building a successful career in television and radio after his playing days concluded. His final match at Wimbledon was the men’s final between Jannik Sinner and Alexander Zverev, which Sinner won in four sets. Henman and Andre Agassi joined Castle in the commentary box for this occasion.

Henman expressed that it was a fitting match to bid farewell to his long-time colleague. He thanked Castle for their many years together in the commentary box, calling him an “absolute star” who taught him a great deal. Henman also mentioned he would miss Castle significantly, adding that it was a “great way to finish off.”

Castle’s Departure from Wimbledon

Castle and Henman were together in the commentary box when Andy Murray ended a 73-year wait for a British male winner of the grass-court Grand Slam. Castle recounted a moment from that match, recalling how Henman, overcome with excitement when Murray secured victory over Novak Djokovic in 2013, elbowed him in the head on match point.

The decision for Castle to depart came after he was informed by the BBC that he would not be the lead commentator for next year’s final due to a “change of direction” in their Wimbledon coverage. While the BBC reportedly wished for him to remain part of the commentary team, with Andrew Cotter expected to take over lead commentary duties for the men’s final next year, Castle opted to leave entirely, stating he was “upset” by the decision.

Speaking about his exit, Castle revealed that the news was “unexpected” but delivered respectfully. He shared that he received a phone call that “didn’t sound too good,” followed by a conversation where he was informed of the change in direction for the final. After considering the offer to stay on the team and discussing it with his family, Castle declined, explaining that once one has done the final, “everything else is less.”

Castle expressed sadness and disappointment about his departure, describing a “sense of grief” due to the many memories accumulated over his tenure. He stated that he never took his role for granted and hoped his colleagues found working with him a positive experience. He added that he still feels he has something to offer but respects the decision made.

Phil Bernie from BBC Sport conveyed the decision to Castle, indicating a new direction for the final commentary. Castle wished the best to whoever would occupy the “privileged seat” in the future. He signed off from his final commentary by thanking viewers for their company and expressing the pleasure and privilege it had been to watch players such as Sinner, Carlos Alcaraz, Roger Federer, Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, and particularly Andy Murray, over the years. John Lloyd is also set to leave the BBC team.

Source: independent.co.uk

Lewis Hartnell

Senior Football Correspondent

As News GB's Senior Football Correspondent, Lewis Hartnell reports on the Premier League, the EFL and the England national side for readers across the country. He reported on south-coast football for a regional title. He holds a degree in Sports Journalism from Solent University and completed an NCTJ diploma. Lewis lives in Southampton, where he watches youth football and follows the transfer market. “The week's training ground decides the weekend's headlines.”