'Just weird': Commentator slammed over 'inappropriate' Mirka Federer remarks
Mirka Federer was at the centre of controversy during the Wimbledon final, but not because of anything that happened on the court.
BBC commentator and former British player Andrew Castle was slammed for what many thought were ‘inappropriate’ comments about Roger Federer’s wife.
Mirka was a bundle of nerves during the near-five hour epic, with TV cameras constantly showing her reactions after big points.
They also captured the massive ring she was sporting on her wedding finger, which prompted Castle to comment.
“Doesn’t look like costume jewellery, does it, on the finger?” he said.
TV viewers were fuming that Castle felt the need to comment on Mirka’s appearance, rather than what was taking place on the court.
Wow this commentary absolutely sucks. I mean WTF was that comment about Mirka Federer’s jewellery... #WimbledonFinal
— Bushra Siddiq (@bushysiddiq) July 14, 2019
@AndrewCastle63 if you can’t commentate constructively on the tennis, then keep quiet. No need whatsoever to comment on the value of Mirka Federer’s jewellery @BBCSport @Wimbledon
— Foxy Cakes And Bakes (@FoxyCakes_Bakes) July 14, 2019
Truly an absolutely awful so called ‘commentator, fascination about Mirka Federer‘ jewellery unprofessional, crass and ignorant. Why he’s ever given a privileged position to be at Wimbledon is a mystery, boring, repetitive rubbish comes out his mouth.... never won much in tennis
— Elizabeth Chamberlain (@Elizabe03893560) July 14, 2019
'that does not look like costume jewelry..' really?! Not the way to discuss Mirka's ring. Would you discuss a male spouse's clothes or jewelry in the same manner? #notappropiate for a #wimbledoncommentator? #WimbledonFinal
— GoneWestDesigns (@terciawest) July 14, 2019
Urgh, why does Andrew Castle keep going on about how much money Roger has? Pointing out Mirka's jewellery is just weird.
— not so ginger Elanor (@GingerElanor) July 14, 2019
Not impressed that A Castle feels it’s appropriate to comment on Mirka Federer’s jewellery. None of his business (& drawing attention to her -risky). He’s meant to be commentating on this final! @wimbledon #WimbledonFinal
— MoyraCosNutrition (@MoyraCosgrove) July 14, 2019
Andrew Castle going on about money earned and now Mirka not having costume jewellery on! He’s coming across very bitter Roger grand slams 20 - Andrew 0
— christy dandy (@dandy_christy) July 14, 2019
Andrew Castle talks a lot of utter BS, it’s so shameful!
— Toscani (@eb_toscani) July 14, 2019
Trying to imagine Dan Maskell commenting on Becker's loo breaks, Mirka Federer's jewellery, or players' bank balances. Failing so far. #WimbledonFinal #AndrewCastle
— Salsera (@glendohergirl) July 14, 2019
Could @AndrewCastle63 be more irritating, or more pro Novak in his comments? His snide remarks about Mirka's jewellery was the last straw. Replace him for the Final next year #bbctennis #Wimbledon
— Huriye (@Huriye) July 14, 2019
You're paid to comment on the tennis not Mirka's jewellery.
— Maria Williams (@BridgetSam) July 14, 2019
Federer heartbroken
It should have been the life-changing, career-defining triumph that secured Federer's status as the undisputed tennis GOAT - greatest of all time.
But instead of adding the strawberries and cream to an unparalleled career, Federer departed the All England Club wondering what might have been after squandering successive match points to let slip the longest final in Wimbledon's 152-year history.
Serving at 8-7 and 40-15 in the final set, Federer looked set to defy the doubters and Father Time to become the oldest grand slam champion in half a century of professional tennis.
Alas, for the third time against Novak Djokovic in his record-setting grand slam career, Federer walked off vanquished after blowing match points.
"I don't know what I feel right now. I just feel like it's such an incredible opportunity missed, I can't believe it," Federer said after his 7-6 (7-5) 1-6 7-6 (7-4) 4-6 13-12 (7-3) gut-wrencher.
The 48th showdown between Federer and Djokovic had been billed as XLVIII - the Goat Final.
Had Federer won his 21st major, Djokovic, five years the Swiss's junior at 32, would have needed seven more grand slam titles to surpass his 37-year-old great rival - a number most considered too much of a stretch even for the super Serb.
Now, Djokovic has suddenly closed to within four slams of Federer's benchmark tally and has no plans of letting up.
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And magnifying the fine margins, Federer has now lost five major finals in five sets - plus two semis against Djokovic after holding match points before the Serb went on to hoist the trophy on both occasions.
Federer, though, remains philosophical, insisting he no longer fusses about holding the grand slam record.
"Used to be a really, really big deal," he said.
"When you were close, I guess two behind, then eventually you tie, then eventually you break, that was big.
"It's been different since, naturally because the chase is in a different place. I take motivation from different places, not so much from trying to stay ahead because I broke the record.
"If somebody else does, well, that's great for them. You can't protect everything anyway.
"I didn't become a tennis player for that."
with AAP
