The world’s most prestigious tennis tournament returns to our screens in June and July and the nation will succumb to Wimbledon fever once more as all 13 days of this quintessentially British sporting drama is broadcast live on the BBC.
Over the fortnight, the world’s top players will battle it out for the honour and distinction of adding their name to Wimbledon’s prestigious roll of honour, with a cool £1.76 million winners cheque on offer to the winners of the men’s and women’s singles.
For the first time in 77 years, a British man will defend his singles crown at SW19 following Andy Murray’s sensational triumph on Centre Court last year, which was watched by a peak audience of 17.8 million viewers, a figure which has yet to be matched by any BBC TV programme since that historic afternoon.
Murray became the first British man to win Wimbledon since Fred Perry accomplished the feat in 1936, ending the home fans’ near-eight decade-long wait for a male singles champion.
The Scot carries the hopes of the nation once more on the pristine grass courts of the All England Club as he hopes to join an even more exclusive club by successfully defending his title, though he has endured a tough 12 months since winning Wimbledon, including a lengthy lay-off due to a persistent back injury as well as severe dips in form on the tour.
With the likes of nine-time Roland Garros champion Rafael Nadal, 2011 Wimbledon winner Novak Djokovic, Australian Open champion Stan Wawrinka and the legendary Roger Federer all keenly chasing another SW19 crown, the pressure will be on from the start for Murray when he takes to Centre Court to play the opening match on the first day, an honour traditionally bestowed upon the defending men’s champion.
Despite his thrashing by Nadal in the French Open semi-final earlier this month, the Scot will be among the favourites on a surface that suits his game.
The fortnight on the famous grass courts last year produced many memorable events and a whole host of drama – all of which was largely overshadowed as soon as Murray created his own piece of history on Centre Court – including early exits for former champions Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer.
Nadal will be hoping to add to the two Wimbledon titles he won in 2008 and 2010, while the Swiss maestro may be some way past playing the quality of tennis that has seen him victorious here on seven occasions, but he will still be among the favourites as he aims to overhaul Pete Sampras by winning for an eighth time.
While Andy Murray was always likely to be a contender last year, the ladies’ singles, however, produced a huge surprise, as Marion Bartoli of France won the tournament without dropping a set, beating Sabine Lisicki in the final, although Bartoli was soon to retire from tennis due to the effects of injury, and will not be back to defend the title.
With Laura Robson also missing this year through injury, the main focus on British hopes in the ladies’ draw will be on Heather Watson, who has recovered from a debilitating bout of glandular fever to continue to show the promise that has made her one of the rising stars of the game.
The women’s draw is expected to be one of the most wide open in years, though without its now-retired champion Bartoli, the likes of multiple champion Serena Williams and recent French Open champion Maria Sharapova are the two of the players most likely to attract the attention.
But as recent majors have shown, expect plenty of shocks and surprises as many of the games’ emerging stars look to make their impact on the big names.
A fortnight of unmissable sporting drama are set to unfold at SW19 and you can follow all the action as it happens only with the BBC across all platforms.
Read SOTB’s viewing guide to Wimbledon 2014 on the BBC below:
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OFFICIAL WEBSITE DRAWS SCHEDULE LIVE SCORES
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DAY 13: SUNDAY 6th JULY – Finals
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Centre Court 13:00 BST start| [1] (SRB) N DJOKOVIC. | v | R FEDERER (SUI) [4] |
| [14] MIRNYI / CHAN. | v | ZIMONJIC / STOSUR [15] |
Watch LIVE online via BBC Sport website
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BBC TV LIVE: 1.00pm-5.45pm BBC One / 5.45pm-8.00pm BBC Two
Extra Courts LIVE: 11.30am-Close BBC Red Button / BBC Sport Website & App
Today at Wimbledon: 10.35pm-11.35pm BBC Two
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Continuing a broadcasting tradition that stretches back over 80 years, the BBC will again provide comprehensive coverage of Wimbledon across TV, radio and online.
Presenting from the studio with its iconic view of the All England Club, Sue Barker will once again lead the BBC’s TV coverage across BBC One and BBC Two throughout the 13-day tournament – totalling more than 150 hours of network coverage, more than ever before – while John Inverdale and guests round up the best of the day’s action in Today at Wimbledon every night at 8.00pm.
Due to World Cup football coverage on BBC One, there will be extra live daytime coverage this year on BBC Two, with its coverage spanning the whole of play on most days, running from 11.00am through to the Today at Wimbledon highlights show.
In addition to the action on BBC One and BBC Two, the corporation will offering its biggest ever digital offering for the tournament, with choice of up to five live courts will be made available via BBC Red Button and 12 HD streams via the BBC Sport website/app.
Once again the BBC has assembled an unrivalled commentary and analysis team to guide fans through the twists and turns during Wimbledon fortnight, including former champions and highly respected sports broadcasters.
Two-time Wimbledon singles champion Jimmy Connors returns to BBC television’s line-up this year after a seven year absence, with the 2014 Championships marking 40 years since he won his first Wimbledon title.
Also joining the BBC team is last year’s ladies champion Marion Bartoli, who will work across television and radio throughout the fortnight, as will Britain’s Laura Robson, who is missing this year’s tournament due to injury.
They join familiar BBC Wimbledon faces including John McEnroe, Lindsay Davenport, Tim Henman, Tracy Austin, Pat Cash, Martina Navratilova, John Lloyd and Virginia Wade.
Match commentary duties, shared across all televised courts, will be led by Andrew Castle, Andrew Cotter, Mark Petchey, Chris Bradnam, Matt Chilton, David Mercer, Nick Mullins, Mark Petchey, Simon Reed, Barry Davies, Jason Goodall, Guy McCrea, Ronald McIntosh, Paul Hand and James Burridge.
Also part of the commentary team will be former players Mark Cox, Jo Durie, Peter Fleming, Anne Keothavong, Louise Pleming, Sam Smith and Liz Smylie.
The BBC’s roving reporting team includes Garry Richardson, Phil Jones and Rishi Persad, with F1 reporter Lee McKenzie joining the line-up for the first time this year, while Carol Kirkwood will present daily weather forecasts.
All the BBC’s Wimbledon coverage will be broadcast in high-definition on BBC One HD and BBC Two HD, as well as simulcast and available for catch-up online via BBC iPlayer.
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On radio, Clare Balding, Russell Fuller and Eleanor Oldroyd lead BBC 5 live’s coverage direct from Centre Court.
The trio will introduce daily coverage from 12.00pm, where listeners will be able to keep up with all the action, plus there will be further score updates and latest news during the evening’s World Cup matches.
Marion Bartoli and Laura Robson join a stellar cast of expert commentators, including Grand Slam champions Pat Cash, Goran Ivanisevic, Richard Krajicek, Martina Navratilova, Jana Novotna, Mary Pierce and legendary tennis coach Nick Bollettieri.
Patrick Mouratoglou, current coach of 17-time Grand Slam Champion Serena Williams, is new to the radio team for 2014, while Tracy Austin, Jeremy Bates, David Felgate, Frew McMillan, Jeff Tarango and Mark Woodforde complete 5 live’s commentary line-up.
Other radio commentators include David Law, Alison Mitchell, Iain Carter, Alastair Eykyn, Vassos Alexander, Philip Studd, and joining the team in 2014, Gigi Salmon.
Dot Davies and Karthi Gnanasegaram will be 5 live’s roving reporters as they capture the thoughts of the many tennis fans gathered around Wimbledon.
Returning for 2014 is the ever-popular 6-love-6 programme with John McEnroe, as the three-time Wimbledon singles champion is joined by special guests from the world of tennis and take calls from listeners, no doubt giving his candid view on the tennis issues of the day.
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Available online and through the BBC Sport apps for mobiles and tablets and connected TVs, up to 12 live HD video streams, up from 10 in 2013, will made available, giving fans more choice during the busy early rounds.
There will be five extra TV streams available via BBC Red Button, up from 3 in 2013, while the the BBC Sport website will also offer a range of features, including highlights, full match replays and video clips, plus a column from Andy Murray in the build-up to the tournament, alongside all the latest news, analysis, draws, order of play, live scores and results.
BBC Sport’s dedicated Wimbledon live page, available from bbc.co.uk/sport during the tournament on any device, will combine the BBC’s full selection of 12 live video streams, radio, rolling highlights, text commentary and live votes.
It’s also the place to join the conversation, with all the best comments and opinions from across social media, email and SMS, alongside those from BBC Sport’s expert reporters and pundits.
The live page also complements the BBC’s broadcast coverage, as it can be used as a second screen when accessed on any handheld device or laptop whilst watching the main TV or connected TV in the house.
There will also be a range of additional social media activities and content across BBC Sport’s Facebook, Google+, Instagram and Twitter accounts, giving fans a chance to get even closer to the BBC’s coverage, presenters and special guests with exclusive behind-the-scenes footage and Q&A sessions.
Live votes will be run during the Championship where fans will be able to vote via the BBC Sport website or social media on topical issues during the tournament..
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A special documentary looking back at Andy Murray’s year since his Wimbledon victory and featuring exclusive footage and interviews will be broadcast on BBC One at the end of the opening day of the 2014 tournament.
On the hottest day of the year in 2013, millions of people all over the UK were glued to their TV and radio sets willing Andy Murray to end 77 years of sporting hurt by winning the Men’s Wimbledon crown.
‘When Andy Won Wimbledon’, to be broadcast at 10.35pm on Monday, June 23, on BBC One, is the emotional and heart-warming story of how so many people experienced Murray’s historic victory against Djokovic that day.
There are personal recollections from Murray himself and those closest to him, including mum Judy and girlfriend Kim Sears. We also hear from stars and public alike as they recall their own stories from this classic ‘where were you when moment’.
Further contributions in the programme come from John McEnroe, Sue Barker, Sir Chris Hoy, Sir Michael Parkinson, Amy McDonald and John Newman.
In addition, BBC TV will also screen three special ‘Wimbledon Classics’ programmes in the build up to this year’s tournament, including a chance to see the highlights of the memorable clash between Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal in the 2008 final.
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Saturday 21st June
Wimbledon Classics: 2013 Men’s Final
10.45am-12.45pm BBC Two
Sunday 22nd June
Wimbledon: Review of 2013
12.00pm-1.00pm BBC Two
All TV times below subject to change
Monday 23rd June
Day 1: Men’s & Women’s 1st Round
LIVE: 11.30am-8.00pm BBC Two
LIVE: 1.45pm-6.00pm BBC One
Today at Wimbledon: 8.00pm-9.00pm BBC Two
When Andy Won Wimbledon10.35pm-11.35pm BBC One Tuesday 24th June Day 2: Men’s & Women’s 1st Round LIVE: 11.30am-8.00pm BBC Two LIVE: 1.45pm-6.00pm BBC One Today at Wimbledon: 8.00pm-9.00pm BBC Two Wednesday 25th June Day 3: Men’s & Women’s 2nd Round LIVE: 11.30am-1.00pm BBC One LIVE: 1.00pm-8.00pm BBC Two LIVE: 1.45pm-6.00pm BBC One Today at Wimbledon: 8.00pm-9.00pm BBC Two Thursday 26th June Day 4: Men’s & Women’s 2nd Round LIVE: 11.30am-8.00pm BBC Two LIVE: 1.45pm-4.30pm BBC One Today at Wimbledon: 8.00pm-9.00pm BBC Two Friday 27th June Day 5: Men’s & Women’s 3rd Round LIVE: 11.30am-8.00pm BBC Two LIVE: 1.45pm-6.00pm BBC One Today at Wimbledon: 8.00pm-9.00pm BBC Two Saturday 28th June Day 6: Men’s & Women’s 3rd Round LIVE: 10.45am-3.00pm & 4.30pm-8.00pm BBC Two LIVE: 1.00pm-4.30pm BBC One Today at Wimbledon: 8.00pm-9.00pm BBC Two Sunday 29th June Middle Sunday (No Scheduled Play) Monday 30th June Day 7: Men’s & Women’s 4th Round LIVE: 11.30am-8.00pm BBC Two LIVE: 1.45pm-4.30pm BBC One Today at Wimbledon: 8.00pm-9.00pm BBC Two Tuesday 1st July Day 8: Women’s Quarter Finals LIVE: 12.30pm-8.00pm BBC Two LIVE: 1.45pm-4.30pm BBC One Today at Wimbledon: 8.00pm-9.00pm BBC Two Wednesday 2nd July Day 9: Men’s Quarter Finals LIVE: 1.00pm-8.00pm BBC Two LIVE: 1.45pm-6.00pm BBC One Today at Wimbledon: 8.00pm-9.00pm BBC Two Thursday 3rd July Day 10: Women’s Semi Finals LIVE: 12.30pm-8.00pm BBC Two LIVE: 1.45pm-6.00pm BBC One Today at Wimbledon: 8.00pm-9.00pm BBC Two Friday 4th July Day 11: Men’s Semi Finals LIVE: 12.30pm-8.00pm BBC Two LIVE: 1.45pm-4.30pm BBC One Today at Wimbledon: 8.00pm-9.00pm BBC Two Saturday 5th July Day 12: Women’s Singles Final LIVE: 1.15pm-4.30pm BBC One Day 12: Women’s Doubles Final / Men’s Doubles Final LIVE: 4.30pm-8.00pm BBC Two Today at Wimbledon: 8.00pm-9.00pm BBC Two Sunday 6th July Day 13: Men’s Singles Final LIVE: 1.00pm-6.00pm BBC One Day 13: Mixed Doubles Final LIVE: 6.00pm-8.00pm BBC Two Today at Wimbledon: 11.30pm-12.30pm BBC Two Extra coverage via BBC Red Button during Wimbledon fortnight, including live coverage and rolling highlights Multi-court coverage available via the BBC Sport website, BBC Sport app and connected TVs All BBC network TV coverage simulcast in high-definition on BBC One HD or BBC Two HD Click here for Order of Play
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If Wawrinka had had a day off, like Federer did (instead of playing three matches in three days), then he would have wiped the floor with Federer. McEnroe kept saying how Wawrinka looked worn out by Federer. No, he was worn out by having to play matches one after the other. When will the Wimbledon organizers realize that this jeopardizes the chance of a player. Federer was Swiss No. 2 in this match. He now becomes Swiss No. 1. Thanks to the Wimbledon organizers and the delight of the commentators!! Not all Swiss are Federer fans.
Who is the lady presenter who was covering the Bouchard match? I can’t understand a word she says,surly we must have someone who speaks English?
Did no one see Rosol knock over Nadal’s precisly placed water bottle in the 4th set. Was this to jinks him? Not very sporting. Margaret Edgar