On Monday afternoon, the BBC opted not to air the doubles match featuring British tennis stars Emma Raducanu and Katie Boulter at Queen’s Club, despite its historic importance. This marked the first women’s event at the prestigious venue in over 50 years, drawing significant interest from fans.
Instead of showcasing the all-British pairing, the BBC focused on singles matches from the main court, leaving many viewers disappointed. Soccer fans quickly took to social media to voice their frustration over the missed opportunity to watch their favorite players compete. One fan remarked, “Errrrr you’ve got two Brits linking up in the doubles – don’t you think that might have been of interest to the British viewers?” Meanwhile, another called the decision “absolutely ridiculous.”
Despite the lack of televised coverage, Raducanu and Boulter delivered an impressive performance, winning their match in straight sets with a score of 6-4, 6-2 against opponents Fang-Hsein Wu and Xinyu Jiang. The match took place on Court 1, but viewers were unable to access it via any BBC platform. During the broadcast, presenter Isa Guha explained the situation, stating that the network was focusing on the Andy Murray Arena but would provide updates throughout the afternoon.
This diminished coverage comes at a time when the Queen’s Club tournament has achieved WTA 500 status, signaling a progressive step for women’s tennis at this historic venue. Both Raducanu and Boulter are expected to participate in the singles draw later that week, indicating that British tennis fans still have more to look forward to this tournament.
This incident highlights the growing interest and investment in women’s tennis and the importance of providing equitable coverage for both men’s and women’s events. Fans remain hopeful that future broadcasts will reflect the enthusiasm and historical significance of women’s competitions.