ESPN’s broadcast of the 2023 Wimbledon tournament featured an unexpected guest on Wednesday. During the first-round clash between Japan’s Shintaro Mochizuki and Tommy Paul of the United States, a spider could be seen making its way across the lens of one of the network’s cameras.
The eight-legged creature didn’t go unnoticed by the match’s commentary team. After Paul took a 5-3 lead in the first set, the broadcast team indicated the spider must be fond of his performance.
“Spidey liked that one,” joked one commentator.
“Yeah, he’s hanging. Maybe’s he’s going to go get the wasp,” added the other.
A spider appeared on one of the cameras on ESPN Wimbledon coverage today, starting around 0:30 below. "Spidey liked that one!" "Yeah, he's hanging. Maybe he's going to go get the wasp." pic.twitter.com/ncGc5REuy0
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) July 5, 2023
It was later explained that the cameras being used are automated and controlled within a main broadcast center, so no cameraman was present to remove the spider from the lens.
Fortunately, the arachnid wasn’t interested in setting up shop on the camera lens. After a few moments on screen, the spider could be seen creeping out of frame.
On the court, Paul ended up winning his opening match in straight sets, 7-5, 6-3, 6-1, to advance to the second round.
