The first day of Wimbledon 2023 is here but fans of the British tennis tournament have been left puzzled by part of the TV coverage. Clare Balding has taken over the main hosting duties from national treasure Sue Barker, who retired last year after fronting the BBC's Wimbledon programming since 2000.
Balding, who previously hosted the daily highlights show 'Today At Wimbledon', is now the face of the broadcaster's coverage over the fortnight at SW19. The first rounds of the championship began today, with Brit Harriet Dart losing two sets to one against the French Diane Perry in the women's singles.
Liam Broady also is also taking to the court today against France's Constant Lestienne. Defending men's singles champion Novak Djokovic is on Centre Court with the Serbian taking on Argentina's Pedro Cachin.
Read more: Wimbledon fans missing Sue Barker as BBC starts coverage with new team
However, tennis fans were left wondering where Balding was, after the presenter did not appear at the start of the BBC's Wimbledon coverage. Retired cricketer Isa Guha kicked off the BBC coverage when the live show began at 10.30am.
One person on Twitter said: "@BBCSport It’s a huge loss not having Sue Barker at Wimbledon but turning on expecting Clare Balding but it a girl I don’t know! Also it looks like it’s going to be the usual chat chat while waiting to watch and during….less chat commentators!"
Another added: "@clarebalding where are you? Ishas good but she’s not quite you."
Someone else even started up a hashtag: "WHERE IS SHE .............. #findclarebalding what you playing at @bbc @clarebalding."
Balding did eventually appear on screen at around 4pm, appearing in the prime time Wimbledon spot, much the the relief of show fans. "And Claire Balding has just appeared - hooray! Must be starting at 4pm rather than 6pm," said one.
Tomorrow is set to be a big day in the tournament, with Wimbledon veteran and two-time men's singles champion Sir Andy Murray competing again fellow Brit Ryan Peniston.
