Richard Lewis, the chief executive of the All England Club, says he ‘cannot envisage’ the Wimbledon tennis championships being taken off free-to-air television.
Action returns to SW19 following Sunday’s rest day, as fans prepare for this ‘Manic Monday’ with Rafael Nadal, Serena Williams, Johanna Konta, Petra Kvitova, Simona Halep, Cori Gauff, Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer all in action.
The tournament, broadcast live across BBC platforms and Wimbledon’s official YouTube channel, coincides with the 2019 Cricket World Cup – which Sky hold the rights for.
Comparisons have naturally been made, but AELTC chief Lewis played down the likelihood that Wimbledon would ever be taken off free-to-air TV.
“We have got a contract with the BBC until 2024 and think the BBC do a great job for us and we do a great deal for them,” said Lewis.
"They are also very keen to help sports grow. It is one of the great strengths of Wimbledon that is has been free-to-air for nearly 100 years. I can’t envisage that ever changing at all – we are very, very comfortable with the relationships.
“We just try to put the Championships on and stage it as well as we can and we think the BBC are a great partner.”
