So far we've had full programmes Monday and Tuesday, Wednesday was 10 minutes at the beginning of the hour and 10 minutes at the end with 40 minutes of Sharapova live in the middle, Thursday we had 20 minutes at 8.50 when the roof was coming over and yesterday we had nothing.
It's ridiculous - it could easily go at 10.35pm on BBC1 or even 9pm on BBC1 (when no football) rather than repeats of Traffic Cops and New Tricks, but sadly the BBC wouldn't be bold enough to do that. Still frustrating too they don't go on air at least 15 minutes before the scheduled start of play in the morning considering they easily spend 20-25 minutes chatting before crossing to live action.
Ideally the coverage should be scheduled something like:
BBC2: Live 11am-9pm (8pm from quarter-final stage)
BBC1: Live 12.55pm-6pm (BBC News moved to 12.15pm for the fortnight - they don't think twice about moving it for the Olympics, so no reason not too for Wimbledon to allow viewers watching the 1pm games on Centre/Court 1 to watch them without changing channels)
BBC1: 9-10pm Today at Wimbledon (used for live coverage if necessary, aired on BBC2 if airing Euro/World Cup games)
Unfortunately the BBC would never be that bold as they care far more about non-sports fans who are catered for day in day out rather than maximising the few big events they hold on to.
Should be time for some highlights tonight, they'd be daft not to close the roof after Ferrer v Roddick finishes, so that there's no gap in Murray v Baghdatis midway.
I don't know why the BBC don't give Today at Wimbledon more prominence. I think that Today at Wimbledon is more important than the highlight shows of other sports. The majority of people don't get to see any of the midweek action between 1-6pm. A Lot of matches take place in this timeframe while people are at work. As a result it should be imperative that there is a highlights programme given a full hour uninterrupted in the evening time.
They don't even seem to move it to 11.20pm anymore as and when required.
Worth noting too the roof is still open so they'll likely be a 30-minute window should this go beyond three sets either for highlights or the lottery draws.
P.S. Have the BBC got John McEnroe full time now NBC no longer cover the tournament?
I don't know why the BBC don't give Today at Wimbledon more prominence. I think that Today at Wimbledon is more important than the highlight shows of other sports. The majority of people don't get to see any of the midweek action between 1-6pm. A Lot of matches take place in this timeframe while people are at work. As a result it should be imperative that there is a highlights programme given a full hour uninterrupted in the evening time.
It used to have a 9.30-10.30pm slot a few years ago. It used to rate terribly which is why they moved it back to 8pm where it can be replaced by live matches if they are available. Over the last few years when it aired normally, Today at Wimbledon barely rate dover the 1m mark.
BBC 2 has also dropped Yesterday at Wimbledon which just goes to show you how much demand for highlights there is.
Just spotted John Inverdale on Centre Court - guess he's not got a lot else to do. Surely next year John will take over at teatime as Sue could go on for 11 hours straight tonight after 10 yesterday and Thursday.
Also adding to the Today at Wimbledon debate - if it's not on at 8 I'd be very surprised if they move it anywhere else. Next year perhaps live coverage through until 9, John taking over at 6 and a roundup after 8 depending on live coverage - but included in the main programme.
It would make sense for him to take over at 6pm or have another role - it's a wonder really Wimbledon haven't moved their interviews courtside yet.
The Olympics are having a ridiculous number of shifts with nobody doing more than 3 hours at a time - and arguably those are less involved than Wimbledon where Sue is not only doing the standard intro to the day and stuff between matches (on two channels!) she's also regularly updating viewers during breaks in play in those matches - something which doesn't tend to happen to much in the Olympics - they usually only round in when switching sports.
