'They took it out of context' - BBC commentator clears the air on alleged dispute with Andre Agassi at 2025 Wimbledon Championships

During one of the men's semifinal matches at the 2025 Wimbledon Championships, observant tennis fans may have picked up on a tense moment between BBC commentator Andrew Castle and former ATP star Andre Agassi on commentary. After weeks of silence, Castle finally opened up on the on-air spat.

The duo were doing commentary for the semifinal match between defending champion Carlos Alcaraz and top-ranked American Taylor Fritz. During the match, cameras began to pan across celebrities in the Royal Box.

This break from play did not sit well with Agassi, who appeared focused on providing analysis for Fritz's play. However, Castle would occasionally cut the former World No.1 off in order to point out the celebrities in attendance.

"I can't keep up with all the celebrities," complained Agassi. Nonetheless, Castle would keep on describing those in attendance, leading Agassi to snap, saying "People watching are watching for the tennis, not for this," as Castle was talking about former deputy prime minister, Nick Clegg.

Castle claims both men are on good terms after the incident

The incident went viral on social media, with the majority siding with Agassi's opinion. However, Castle would eventually speak out regarding the issue, claiming the incident was blown out of proportion.

"We had a laugh, and they took it out of context," said Castle in an interview with Betway. "Afterwards, Andre sent me a text, saying what an unbelievable time he'd had, how he enjoyed it, and we were going to have him for the final but then he went into the Royal Box instead, but he had a great time."

A former British No.1, Castle retired in 1992 and has covered tennis for the BBC since 2003.

"He (Agassi) was saying that tongue in cheek whilst smiling at me, and in the final, I didn't mention any celebrities at all," clarified Castle. "I mentioned the second row of the Royal Box, which had the former champions in that row and that's all I mentioned in the final, and there were people afterwards who said, ‘all I talk about is the celebrities’. It's not the case, people hear a commentator's voice sometimes in their own head."