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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Sport
Guardian sport

Former BBC tennis commentator Gerald Williams dies, aged 86

Gerald Williams
Gerald Williams, left, pictured with Des Lynam at Wimbledon in June 1989. Photograph: Daily Mail/Rex/Shutterstock

The former BBC tennis commentator Gerald Williams has died at the age of 86.

Williams worked alongside Des Lynam as part of the BBC’s Wimbledon coverage on radio and television.

Barbara Slater, director of BBC Sport, said: “Gerry was one of the finest tennis commentators of our time. His famous Wimbledon commentary and his on-screen partnership with Des Lynam will be remembered with fondness by everyone at BBC Sport. He was a man of great talent and will be sadly missed.”

The presenter Sue Barker said: “I always admired his style and humour and was thrilled when he asked me to be his co-commentator many times. He was always so helpful and encouraging and I knew I was learning from the very best.

“We remained close friends on and off air – dinners with Gerry were always full of laughter and his love of tennis was infectious. He was a wonderful commentator and broadcaster but above all a great friend.”

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