Commentator bias - Williams v Tan

[Jaggerdagger]

I really like watching Wimbledon and it's great to see Serena Williams playing again, however it's so unfair for the commentators to spend the whole time gushing over her. The woman she is playing against, Harmony Tan, is absolutely ace and holding up really well. Shame she's barely getting a mention, even though she's won the first set. Every time Tan wins something, they somehow manage to compliment Serena!

I've gone to bed, I couldn't stand the gushing and fawning over Williams, as great a player as she is. Melody Tan hardly got a mention which isn't fair really as she's worked incredibly hard to get to where she is.

Bloody well done Harmony! Great match.

So pleased for Harmony. She deserved it. Nerves of steel

Could not agree more, the commentary was annoying, unprofessional and not even that insightful. It was like friends watching the game at their home chatting between them and someone happened to put a microphone on and broadcast it.
Well done Tan, what a win!

I loved it, it was supportive. I think they shone the light pretty evenly considering Harmony was up against one of the greatest to ever do it imo. Serena makes these matches what they are, remember that.

So annoying how they kept writing Tan off, even though she was playing amazingly!

I think Serena was roundly beaten by Tan and should bow out gracefully from grand slam tennis. She is no longer the big star player she once was and it is must be painful for her to be out in the first round.

Most of the Beeb's tennis commentators are well past their sell-by dates (with maybe 1 or 2 exceptions). All of their tennis coverage is getting very stale which is why when I have a choice - like for Queen's - I always watch on Prime instead.

I do quite like Konta tho!

And Harmony Tan was fantastic - so composed.

I am delighted that Harmony won as she did not deserve to go out in the first round after playing like that.

Did Serena actually say anything to Harmony when they shook hands at the net? It looked like Harmony said something and Serena nodded (through gritted teeth).

Agree!

Also there was constant mention by BBC commentators today around Heather Watson and how she took Serena to match point. In another match. 7 years ago. Why is that their only talking point about her??

Mind you Radio 5 Live were worse in a different way - on Monday in the Raducanu match they were chatting (ie not commentating) whilst play was live. They were also very rude about the people in the Royal Box.

Agree..cannot understand why all the fawning…Am so glad Tan won and the little girl in her box was a joy to watch!

I thought Serena looked relieved & also very disappointed at the end. Not ungracious in defeat.

The commentary didn't bother me or seem unfair, Serena is understandably the more famous athlete, there is inherent spectacle in these events which means more focus on the more famous athletes (& their family members). I would expect similar in any other sport.

I was rooting for Tan, too, slightly, but both played brilliantly (at times) & battled back from exhaustion. I'm saying that as someone who typically finds tennis very dull.

DH quipped that both were rather misnamed considering the fierce battle they engaged in: 3 hours !!

Personally I thought the extended discussion of Tan’s 5-minute toilet break and the insightful conclusion that ‘sometimes you just need to go’ was the real low point

I'm so pleased she won,I only watched the first part and also was very annoyed at the ridiculous commentary.