ESPN serves up wide-reaching Wimbledon coverage

26 April 2009 | Posted in Broadcast, Tennis, Top Story | By Adam Fraser

ESPN Star Sports (ESS) has signed a six-year broadcast deal for Wimbledon, the most famous tournament in tennis.

ESS will broadcast the tournament throughout 24 countries in Asia across television, online, mobile and radio platforms. Viewers be able to watch the entirety of ESS's Wimbledon coverage online on the company's website and on the mobile platform via ESS's content service, mobileESPN.

ESS will provide more than 70 hours of coverage, including full-day live action and highlights of every single match from the quarter-final stage onwards. By the time the deal expires, the broadcaster will have provided televised coverage of the event in Asia for more than 20 years.

"With its rich tradition and history, the Wimbledon Championship holds a special place in the hearts of both players and fans alike," said Manu Sawhney, managing director of ESS. "We are very pleased to extend our partnership with the All England Lawn Tennis & Croquet Club (AELTC). We share a very strong relationship with them and we remain committed to continue strengthening this tournament amongst our fans and business partners in Asia."

John Rowlinson, director of television at the AELTC, said: "Over the last 17 years, ESPN STAR Sports has played an integral role in building this tournament with its comprehensive broadcast coverage and top quality presentation. With its extensive reach across Asia, we are confident that millions of tennis fans will continue to enjoy unparalleled coverage of the Wimbledon Championship for the next six years."

This year's Wimbledon will see the likes of Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Briton Andy Murray compete for the men's title, while the Williams sisters, Venus and Serena, are favourites to win the women's crown.

ESS also shows the Australian Open and the French Open throughout Asia.

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