Roger Federer BBC commentary snub laid naked as icon watches Murray at Wimbledon

BBC commentator Andrew Castles has opened up on the Beeb’s plea to Roger Federer because the broadcaster hoped that he would commentate at Wimbledon this 12 months. The eight-time SW19 champion did return to the event on Tuesday to observe Andy Murray defeat Ryan Peniston in straight units, however was as an alternative sat within the Royal Box.

The pair loved an endearing trade 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 could have come near sitting alongside the commentators, nevertheless, as he was tipped for a job with the BBC this 12 months.

In February, The Telegraph claimed {that a} deal was on the playing 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 trade with followers he shortly shot down the concept as he stated: “No plans to commentate this year!”

Perhaps leaving the door open to future commentary endeavours, Castles could have hinted how shut a deal was – whereas 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 advised 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.”