Kyrgios accuses BBC commentator of ‘spoiling’ Djokovic vs Alcaraz Wimbledon tie

The lead-up to Sunday’s blockbuster clash between Djokovic and Alcaraz was filled with tense anticipation, with the two favourites for the men’s crown going head-to-head on Centre Court.

Djokovic looked to be steaming towards a record-equalling eighth Wimbledon title after taking the first set 6-1, but Alcaraz came roaring back to win the second and third. The crowd’s excitement at the back-and-forth encounter spilled over into the commentary box, which not everyone was pleased about.

Appearing to take aim at Castle, who was on BBC commentary duties alongside former Wimbledon semi-finalist Todd Woodbridge and ex-British No 1 Tim Henman, Kyrgios lashed out at the ‘clown’ who he felt was ruining the match.

“Whoever is the clown next to Woodbridge in that commentator box needs to just not speak,” wrote the 28-year-old on Twitter, along with a laughing emoji. “Spoiling the match big time.”

Some of Kyrgios’ UK-based followers seemed to agree with his harsh remarks, as @bibekkbasa responded: “Andrew Castle, a horrendous commentator,” while another social media user called the 59-year-old ‘insufferable’.

“I hope [Djokovic] gets 30 [Grand Slam titles], it would make me look better because I lost to him at Wimbledon,” stated Kyrgios before the tournament. “But yeah, it’s an amazing achievement. I know how hard he works, how much it means to him obviously.

“Missing out on some Grand Slams as well, not being able to get in the country sometimes and obviously that time in Australia. I know that he’d probably be on like 25 or 26 [majors] at the moment, so I know that he is hungry. People think he will slow down, I think it’ll only make him more motivated to get more. So I hope he gets to 28, 30. No one can stop [Djokovic at Wimbledon] if it’s not me.”