BBC Wimbledon blunder: Same match broadcast live on two channels

Novak Djokovic during his Wimbledon second round match against Jacob Fearnley — Viewers were unable to follow the start of Novak Djokovic’s second round match – PA/Mike Egerton

The BBC has sparked anger among Wimbledon viewers after showing the same match on terrestrial channels while missing Novak Djokovic’s opening games.

Djokovic’s first six games against Jacob Fearnley were not available on BBC One or Two as the British battle between Katie Boulter and Harriet Dart took priority.

For about five minutes after the regional newscast ended on One, both channels simultaneously broadcast the Boulter-Dart match. The broadcast was then reversed to show Boulter on One and Djokovic on Two, but some viewers were not impressed.

Many critics were quick to respond on social media, with one saying: “BBC 1 and 2 are showing the exact same WTA match… I want to see Djokovic.”

By the time BBC Two’s coverage of the match began, the first set was tied at 3-3. The BBC has been contacted for comment.

With polling stations now open and the election campaign over, big viewing figures are expected for the BBC on a bumper day of British action at Wimbledon.

Andy Murray will return to the court later, after the new British generation battled for supremacy on a highly anticipated day. Murray and his brother Jamie begin their doubles campaign in what promises to be an emotional evening on Centre Court.

Before that, the top two ranked British singles players, both men and women, faced each other. This is the first time the Murray brothers have faced each other at a Grand Slam tournament.

The duo have won every Davis Cup doubles match they have played together, including the quarter-final, semi-final and final of Great Britain’s memorable success in 2015.

They will face that challenge when they clash with Australian duo Rinky Hijikata and John Peers, but the pair can expect to be supported by a frenzied crowd on Centre Court as Andy’s Wimbledon career draws to a close.

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