BBC make statement after fans couldn't watch Djokovic start Wimbledon defence

03 July 2023 , 15:11

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BBC make statement after fans couldn't watch Djokovic start Wimbledon defence

The BBC have issued a statement after tennis fans were unable to watch the start of defending champion Novak Djokovic's first-round Wimbledon clash against Pedro Cachin.

BBC One began their broadcast late, meaning fans missed the beginning of Djokovic's match, while there were also some technical issues with the coverage on BBC iPlayer. As a result, when the broadcast finally began on BBC One, Cachin had already taken a 1-0 lead.

Fans quickly took to social media to voice their displeasure, with one fuming: "@BBCiPlayer fix the Wimbledon centre court broadcast on your iplayer app, it's not working & now no-one can watch Djokovic vs Cachin match!!"

"BBC coverage of Wimbledon off to a poor start, again," wrote another. "Djokovic playing on Centre Court, instead they're giving a weather forecast. Streams on iPlayer not working either."

In response, a BBC spokesperson said: "We're aware of a technical issue when streaming some Wimbledon matches on BBC iPlayer. We're working to fix this as soon as possible."

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The iPlayer broadcast did eventually start working before rain forced play to be suspended after Djokovic won the first set 6-3. After play resumed Djokovic completed a 6-3 6-3 7-6 (7-4) win over Cachin with the Serbian, who won at Wimbledon last year after beating Nick Kyrgios in the final, hoping to win a record-equalling eighth men's singles title this year.

Speaking ahead of the tournament, Djokovic spoke of his desire to continue winning Grand Slams after notching a record 23rd victory after beating Casper Ruud to win the French Open last month. "I don't feel more relaxed, to be honest," he said.

(PA)

"I still feel hungry for success, for more Grand Slams, more achievements in tennis. As long as there's that drive, I know that I'm able to compete at the highest level. If that goes down, then I guess I'll have to face probably different circumstances and have a different approach.

"So far there's still the drive. A few days after Roland Garros, I was already thinking about preparation for grass and what needs to be done. The tennis season is such that it doesn't really give you much time to really reflect or enjoy.

"If you really want to have a chance and have a go at more slam titles, you need to maintain that concentration and devotion. I want to try to use every Grand Slam opportunity I have at this stage where I'm feeling good in my body, feeling motivated and playing very good tennis, to try to get more."

Matthew Cooper