BBC Wimbledon blunder sees same match broadcast live on two channels

The BBC sparked anger among Wimbledon viewers after showing the same match on terrestrial channels while missing Novak Djokovic’s opening games.

Djokovic’s six opening games against Jacob Fearnley were not available on BBC One or Two as the Brit battle between Katie Boulter and Harriet Dart was prioritised.

For around five minutes, after the conclusion on the regional news on One, both channels showed the Boulter-Dart match simultaneously. Coverage was then switched to show Boulter on One and Djokovic on Two, but some viewers were unimpressed.

A host of critics were quick to comment on social media, with one saying: “BBC 1 and 2 both showing the same exact WTA match… I want to see Djokovic.”

By the time BBC Two coverage of the Djokovic match began, the opening set was locked at 3-3. A BBC source defended the arrangement, telling Telegraph Sport usual processes had been followed to overlap matches across both channels for a few minutes so viewers do not miss a key moment from the current match available.

Both matches were available uninterrupted on BBC iPlayer for viewers to choose from. Boulter had been poised to win the first set at around 1.45pm - the time of the switch from Two to One. Editors decided to extend the overlap a little longer than usual so no big moments were missed.

With the polls now open in the General Election and campaigning over, big viewing figures are expected for the BBC on a bumper day of British action at Wimbledon.

Andy Murray will take to the court later after Britain’s next generation have battled for supremacy on a highly anticipated day. Murray and his brother Jamie start their doubles campaign in what promises to be an emotional evening on Centre Court.

Before that, Britain’s top-two ranked singles players in both the men’s and women’s game were going head-to-head. It is the first time the Murray brothers have competed together at a grand slam.

The pair won every Davis Cup doubles match they played together, including the quarter-final, semi-final and final of Great Britain’s memorable success in 2015.

They will be up against it in their clash with Australian duo Rinky Hijikata and John Peers, but the pair can expect to be backed by a frenzied Centre Court crowd as Andy’s Wimbledon career winds down.