BBC executives sparked widespread fury amongst viewers on Monday evening when they abruptly switched coverage away from British number one Emma Raducanu's opening Wimbledon match.
The broadcaster cut from Raducanu's clash with Welsh teenager Mimi Xu to instead show the conclusion of Carlos Alcaraz's fifth-set battle with Fabio Fognini.
The defending champion's match had initially been broadcast on BBC One before switching to accommodate the six o'clock news.
Raducanu's encounter, nearing the end of its first set, was being shown on BBC Two when executives made the controversial decision to prioritise the Alcaraz match.
Emma Raducanu fans were furious with the BBC
Reuters
British tennis fans took to social media to express their dismay at the broadcasting decision.
One supporter wrote on X: "Why did BBC stop showing the #raducanu match?????????"
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Another viewer sarcastically remarked: "Thank God the BBC switched from the tight raducanu match to alcaraz dominating the 5th set."
A third frustrated fan commented: "Aaaaand 1 set in they change chanel even though im on iplayer. Such a stupid system! #Wimbledon #bbc."
The sudden channel switch left many viewers scrambling to find where Raducanu's match had been relocated, with some unable to continue watching the British star's performance.
The broadcasting chaos extended beyond Raducanu's match, with viewers equally incensed about Alcaraz's encounter being removed from BBC One.
One angry viewer wrote: "The BBC's coverage of Wimbledon does my head in at times. Why do they keep swapping channels during matches?
Final set of the Alcaraz match suddenly disappears from BBC One because of the 6pm news. Ridiculous."
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Mimi Xu was well-beaten by Emma Raducanu on her Wimbledon debut
Reuters
Another exasperated fan posted: "Ok, someone tell me where BBC have moved Alcatraz/Foligno match to! It's be somewhere on iPlayer. Can't believe they've just stopped showing it to bring us the news! #Wimbledon."
Many questioned why the news bulletin couldn't have been delayed during such a crucial sporting moment.
The scheduling conflict arose unexpectedly, with BBC executives likely not anticipating both matches would overlap.
Alcaraz's opening Centre Court match extended to approximately four and a half hours, whilst the two preceding matches on Court One concluded swiftly in straight sets.
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Emma Raducanu is through to the next round of Wimbledon
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Despite the broadcasting turmoil, Raducanu delivered an impressive performance against 17-year-old wild card Xu.
The former US Open champion secured a convincing 6-3, 6-3 victory in just one hour and 25 minutes.
Raducanu demonstrated her superior experience throughout the encounter, breaking serve in the opening game to establish immediate control over her Welsh opponent making her Grand Slam main draw debut.
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