Tennis fans were not happy with the BBC’s Wimbledon coverage during Novak Djokovic’s match against Yibing Wu.
Djokovic is bidding for a 25th Grand Slam title at Wimbledon this year, and a record-equalling eighth title at the grass court major.
The 39-year-old was the big favourite going into his first round match against Wu, who is the world number 102 and has never won a match at Wimbledon before.
However, Djokovic lost the second set against the Chinese player, but some British tennis fans were unable to even see it.
Tennis fans criticise the BBC after they are unable to watch Novak Djokovic lose second set vs Yibing Wu
The BBC are the broadcasters of Wimbledon for British tennis fans and have been since 1927.
Despite covering The Championships for nearly a century, the BBC changed channels between BBC One and BBC Two at the end of the second set.
As a result, British tennis fans were unable to watch the moment when Wu won the second set against Djokovic.
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Many of those expressed their frustrations at this on social media, slamming the BBC for doing this.
One person wrote on X (formerly known as Twitter), “Amazing coverage from BBC as usual. Cutting off Djokovic-Wu at 6-5, 40-40 & missing the set point. Absolute disgrace.”
Another said, “I’m sorry BBC, but every year you cock-up the channel switchover. It doesn’t matter that we can watch on iPlayer – just sort it out!”
Someone else added, “Thanks BBC [for] switching channels right at the time Wu wins the set. Shambles.”
The criticism for the BBC continued, “How can the BBC stop broadcasting the Djokovic match at such a crucial point! Madness.”
“What the hell BBC! Wu having the chance to get the set. Told to change to BBC 2 and showing Ludwig trailer. Missed Wu winning 2nd set!”
“The BBC coverage of Wimbledon truly is a joke. An absolute disgrace. If you’re going to follow a match live, then don’t keep switching channels halfway through. Either dedicate yourself to the tournament, or let it go.”
“Shocking #Wimbledon coverage from BBC there. Djokovic serving to stay in the set, they switch channel with both showing an advert, then come back to the game with the set over. What’s the point watching for hours then missing a key moment!”
“BBC deserve to lose the rights to the Tennis for that. Truly unforgivable.”
Despite tennis fans criticising the television company for their coverage, the BBC has recently extended its contract to broadcast Wimbledon until 2033.
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Djokovic losing the second set against Wu is far from ideal for the Serbian, who will be hoping to conserve energy in the early rounds if he is to challenge for the Wimbledon title.
In his 20 previous appearances at Wimbledon, Djokovic has never actually lost in the first round of Wimbledon.
Djokovic’s earliest exit at Wimbledon came in 2008, when he was beaten in the second round by Marat Safin.
The only times Djokovic has lost in the first round of a Grand Slam came at the Australian Open in both 2005 and 2006, but he has won 77 consecutive first round matches since then.
Djokovic will be hoping to avoid this streak ending against Wu, who has caused the 24-time Grand Slam champion more troubles than many were expecting at Wimbledon.
