First, it was at the French Open, and now Wimbledon. Who would have thought there could be more interesting things happening in London other than the match at the Centre Court featuring a former Wimbledon champion, Elena Rybakina? Courtesy, ESPN’s preference for another tennis star. There seems to be no break from disappointment for tennis fans who cannot watch it live in London, and are stuck with the sideshow rather than the main one!

As Rybakina battles it against the Russian, Anna Kalinskaya at the pristine Centre Court of Wimbledon, it seems that the American international sports channel, ESPN, has found more interesting things to show their subscribers: Emma Navraaro’s practice match! The other option they have is a doubles match. And tennis fans are not having it this time.

While ESPN would have thought to promote the American youngster, as she gets ready for her 1st quarterfinal match, they forgot to take into account the needs of the time, Sinner’s partner, against the champion. However, the match every tennis fan was deprived of ended pretty early, with the advantageous Rybakina making it to the quarterfinals.

Kalininskaya surged ahead early, grabbing a 3-1 lead with a quick break against Rybakina. However, a medical timeout midway through the first set marked a turning point. Kalinskaya struggled upon returning, losing eight consecutive games. Facing a double break in the second set, she was forced to throw in the towel, conceding the match 6-3, 3-0.

“Definitely not how I wanted to finish the match,” Rybakina said on court. “Anna, she’s a great player. I know she was suffering with a couple of injuries and if it’s the wrist, it’s very difficult to continue to play. So, I just wish her a speedy recovery.” But, fans didn’t let ESPN off the hook.

Tennis fans take dig at ESPN for ‘ignoring real match’

After facing a similar problem back in the Roland Garros swing, tennis fans are out in arms on X, as they bash up the channel for this mammoth lapse! This tennis fan’s disappointment knew no bounds as he tweeted his frustration in capital letters, with a harsh dig at ESPN. They tweeted, “It’s so ridiculous. They’re showing doubles matches and De Minaur but not Centre Court Rybakina-Kalinskaya. Unreal @ESPN”.

Sadly, many tennis fans were unable to enjoy the Rybakina-Kalinskaya match, as Navarro’s practice and interview captured the screen. It’s a joy for the whole of America as one of their players is still in line to win the Grass Slam. However, that doesn’t discount the fact that tennis fans are always hungry for good and live matches, even if they are not present at the venue. And this fan was bewildered when he was unable to align with the Centre Court schedule. As they questioned the channel about it. He said, “Why is @ESPN showing doubles matches instead of Rybakina-Kalinskaya????????” 

However, some fans thought it would be better to make the channel aware of their preferences in a gentlemanly way. But not without taking a dig at it. They said, “Dear ESPN, I’m here to see Rybakina v Kalinskaya. I don’t give a f**k about Emma Navarro’s practice session. Thanks, AC.” But it doesn’t seem that the channel paid heed to the request as many more fans came together with time to call out the channel for showing them practice matches.

No one would have thought that a day would come when Centre Court matches would be ignored while all Danielle Collins wants is to experience the famous court before retirement. This contradictory fact was highlighted by this fan as they asked ESPN not to ruin tennis and choose another sport to show practices. They said, “@awfulannouncing Let’s interview a player who is practicing and ignore a real match. @espn trying to ruin another sport with talk instead of play. #Wimbledon.”

What made it worse was the fact that this wasn’t the first time that ESPN didn’t show the match being played. This fan pointed it out, “It happens every slam they broadcast and they don’t advertise upfront that an ESPN+ sub is not enough.” The most recent example is the French Open, where tennis fans were made to watch the Grand Prix in the middle of a delay in live coverage. Such a heartbreak for tennis circuit!

However, fans would calm down with the fact that Elena Rybakina made it to the next round. While hoping ESPN to make the highlights available and run the match for them!