BBC new Wimbledon pundit announced but big names set to be axed in major shake-up | Tennis | Sport
Twelve years ago, Eugenie Bouchard enjoyed her breakthrough at Wimbledon, storming into the final aged just 20. The Canadian also cracked the world’s top 10 off the back of her run, and ultimately lost to Petra Kvitova. Bouchard officially retired from professional tennis on home soil at the Canadian Open last summer.
But now, she’s expected to return to the All England Club in a new role. Since hanging up her racket, Bouchard has entered the world of tennis punditry. She’s worked with Tennis Channel and is currently part of the TNT Sports USA lineup at the French Open.
And the former world No. 5 will now join the BBC at Wimbledon next month, according to The Sun. Bouchard will be doubling up in SW19, also entering the legends event – her first competition since retiring last July. She told them: “I’m doing stuff for the BBC at Wimbledon. And then I’m also playing in the Legends event, which is the first time I’m doing that at any Slam since I retired.
“It’s funny. I retired last August and I got the email from Wimbledon in December. They invited me to the Legends event and I was like, ‘You guys, it’s been three months, I just retired, can I get one year off?’ But, of course, it’s such an honour. So I’m excited to do that.”
The 32-year-old will be well-prepared for Wimbledon, as she’s already been part of the TNT Sports team at the French Open. “It’s hectic here. I love it so far. I love going live on TV,” she added.
“I feel like it gives me that adrenaline that I used to have when I played tennis. I don’t know how I’m doing so far. I feel like a baby in a new world. I’m trying my best.
The news of Bouchard’s new role at the BBC comes after bosses were reportedly told to shake up their “stale” and “outdated” Wimbledon coverage. The Times previously reported that the All England Club wanted the broadcaster to revamp its offering for The Championships, which could include axing some pundits.
A source told them: “John McEnroe is great — although he can split opinion — but some of the other presenters and pundits at Wimbledon seem out of touch and not really up to date with a lot of the players.
“There is obviously a balance to be struck to cater for those who like the traditional aspect of the BBC’s Wimbledon coverage, but it definitely needs to look at what is happening in other tennis coverage.”
Bouchard is one of several fresh faces the BBC can introduce during Wimbledon. Retired British No. 1 Laura Robson is also a fan favourite on the telly, working with Sky Sports for the US Open and ATP and WTA Tour events, and with TNT Sports at the Australian Open and French Open.
