Andrew Castle to step down as Wimbledon commentator after 23 years

Andrew Castle has confirmed this year’s Wimbledon will be his last at the commentator’s mic, the former British No 1 leaving the “best gig in sports broadcasting” after more than two decades as the BBC makes changes to its coverage.

The 62-year-old, who will remain in post as the All England Championships get underway on Monday, told the The Times: “It’s been a hell of a journey. I can’t say I have enjoyed every minute because there have been moments of pressure and controversy, but it has been a huge privilege.

“To be honest, when I got the job 23 years ago, a lot of the more experienced commentators felt that they should have been first in line. Their noses were put out of joint. So, in the wider scheme of things, I am lucky that I had the best gig in sports broadcasting for so long, during the greatest age of men’s tennis.”

Castle was uncertain about his future, he replied: “My wife Sophia and I are building a house and we’re about to have a third grandchild, so things are good. I am not sure what will come next professionally, but whatever it is, I’ll embrace it.”

Castle was Britain’s No 1 men’s singles player in 1986, and made the third round at the US Open in 1987, losing in four sets to Boris Becker. He established himself as a commentator at GMTV and has worked for Sky Sports as well as being a game-show host and DJ.