BBC presenter shares on air tribute after tearful | UK News

A BBC presenter has shared two emotional on air tributes after a number of tearful Wimbledon goodbyes. The 2026 Championships have formally begun for another yr, with hundreds of avid followers flocking to SW19 to catch all the tennis motion. There’s already been heaps of drama on the courts, after tense Centre Court matches involving World Number One Jannik Sinner and seven-time Wimbledon champion Novak Djokovic.

That’s not all, as 23-time Grand Slam champion Serena Williams was defeated in her first spherical match, after returning to the game following her retirement in 2022. The US star was overwhelmed by 20-year-old Australian participant Maya Joint in a late-night thriller. The drama continued as tennis legend Stan Wawrinka broke down in tears after dropping his opening match. The three-time Grand Slam champion, who is set to retire at the end of the season, was overwhelmed by Matteo Berrettini on Court One.

The Swiss vetern grew to become tearful after finishing his closing match at Wimbledon. In his on-court interview, he said: “I don’t want to retire, but I know it is time for me to stop playing. One of the reasons I’ve kept playing for such a long time is to enjoy the moments like tonight. There were so many emotions.

“I’m so grateful to have this alternative, to obtain the wildcard, to have the prospect to play one last time at Wimbledon. It is such a particular event. As a child, you always dream about perhaps being right here someday and I had the prospect to play right here so many instances. That sort of help also meant so a lot to me, so thanks so a lot for all of these years.”

BBC presenter Isa Guha paid tribute to Wawrinka just minutes into Wednesday’s (July 1) live broadcast, saying: “Before we head out for live tennis, let’s just replicate on another great story from late last evening.

“Three-time Grand Slam champion, 41-year-old Stan Wawrinka’s last Wimbledon came to an end after an incredible match against Matteo Berrettini on Number One Court. All four sets went to tiebreaks, including the second set tiebreak, which Berrettini won 18-16. The Italian won in 4 hours and 20 minutes. Emotional scenes.”

After enjoying a short clip of Wawrinka’s emotional on-court interview, Isa said: “Incredibly emotional scenes. All good things come to an end.”

She added: “Thank you for the memories, Stan. 19 appearances here at the Championships and [he] made the quarter finals twice. He is a fan favourite and he will be missed.”

BBC viewers had been also left feeling emotional after Wawrinka’s exit, with one individual writing on X (previously Twitter): “Sad moment when we lose great players like Stan who has given us so many great memories.”

Another added: “The more this clip flashes more tears shed from me. Stan the man,” while a third said: “What a lovely speech from #Wawrinka. I’m sobbing for him. It means so much to him. He doesn’t want to retire but feels he has to. Berrettini chased him down the hall inside to hug him. I’m in pieces.”

Isa later paid tribute to British participant Dan Evans, who also performed his last match at Wimbledon this morning. “He has always shown plenty of fight and grit throughout his career, plenty of defiance,” she said. “We will miss you, Dan. One of the great characters in British tennis.”

Coverage of Wimbledon airs on BBC One and BBC Two and is on the market to stream on BBC iPlayer