Tennis fans have fumed over the BBC’s decision not to show Emma Raducanu‘s opening-round doubles clash at Queen’s on Monday afternoon. The Brit was partnered with fellow countrywoman Katie Boulter, but the match wasn’t available to watch on terrestrial television.
Boultercanu – as they’ve been dubbed by fans on social media – waltzed to a straight-sets win, defeating duo Fang-Hsein Wu and Xinyu Jiang 6-4, 6-2. However, across both BBC Two and the red button, the broadcaster were only showing singles matches from the main court.
It left fans furious, with @GeorgeSewell writing on X said: “Errrrr you’ve got two Brits linking up in the doubles – don’t you think that might have been of an interest to the British viewers?”
@mtb295 said: “You have the British women 1 and 2 playing together in doubles and you’re not showing it? Make it make sense!! So frustrating!!!!!!”
@charlotterumney added: “Absolutely ridiculous you’re not showing Boulter/Raducanu in Doubles.”
@aysethefirst stated: “Why isn’t Court 1 on BBCiPlayer though? Can’t watch Boultercanu?”
The fume continued with @scrumpyh3, who said: “You just showed a clip of Court 1 where Emma and Katie are starting their match; so why not show the match as a second option or one court on iPlayer and one on BBC2? Very frustrating!”
And @elljmoore posted: “Literally just showed us a clip of it why can’t we watch it?!!!!”
Express Sport have contacted the BBC for comment.
During Monday’s coverage, presenter Isa Guha said: “Unfortunately, we won’t be able to show you this match because we’re focused on Andy Murray Arena, but we will be bringing you updates throughout the course of the afternoon.”
It marked a historic day of tennis action in west London, given it was the first time in over 50 years a women’s event had been held at Queen’s Club. The event was given WTA 500 status, with Raducanu and Boulter both set to play in the singles tournament later this week.
The 2021 US Open champion will face Cristina Bucsa in the first round, with British No.1 Boulter having been paired against qualifier Ajla Tomljanovic. It comes ahead of a busy grass court season in the United Kingdom, with events in Nottinghanm, Eastbourne and finally Wimbledon to come.
Content Source: www.express.co.uk