Roger Federer’s royal tribute wasn’t aired on TV by the BBC (Picture: PA)
Wimbledon fans have blasted the BBC coverage after failing to broadcast Roger Federer’s royal tribute on Centre Court.
The tennis superstar, who retired last September, was greeted with applause by the crowds at the Royal Box on Tuesday for his contributions to the competition ahead of the start of play.
Kate Middleton, the Duchess of Cambridge was among those who gave Federer a standing ovation and was seen clapping for him as he walked made his way to sit beside her.
Fans watching the BBC coverage at home were left disappointed though, as the corporation failed to air the wholesome moment, which has prompted a backlash from angry viewers.
Taking to Twitter, one complained: ‘So now we can’t watch the Roger Federer tribute on Centre Court what is going on.’
The Princess of Wales was among those clapping for Federer as he entered the Royal Box (Picture: Getty)
Echoing a similar sentiment, another said: ‘Just the BBC deciding an overbloated news programme going on till half past is more important than the Federer tribute.’
A third blasted: ‘The greatest tennis player/athlete of all time and @BBCSport you don’t even show it live on the tele.’
‘Had this been a footballer you as ever would have extended coverage,’ a fourth slammed. ‘So don’t know why I pay my licence fee.
‘We only get 2 weeks of tennis a year and an eternity of football. So @BBCSport not showing tribute to Federer or Rybikana coming on court still with the Alcaraz match.’
Federer joined spectators in watching Elena Rybakina, the defending women’s champion, begin her title defence against American Shelby Rogers.
Sat behind him was British-Iranian Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe, who was imprisoned in Iran for six years.
It was the first of three scheduled matches on the main show court on day two of the Championships, with two-time winner Andy Murray taking on fellow Briton Ryan Peniston later.
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The tennis superstar was greeted with applause by the crowds at the Royal Box on Tuesday.