The AELTC has decided not to renew its deal with Radio Wimbledon.
Radio Wimbledon have lost the rights to broadcast the Wimbledon tennis Championships after nearly two decades of coverage, it was announced this week.
The All England Lawn Tennis Club (AELTC) has decided not to renew its deal with Radio Wimbledon.
A decision over who will receive the rights has not yet been finalised.
Radio Wimbledon’s Twitter feed stated: “It is with a heavy heart that we have to tell you that Radio Wimbledon is no more.
“We have thoroughly enjoyed bringing the Championships to you and we hope that came across in our broadcasting.
“It was a unique sound formed over 19 years. On behalf of the crew we thank you for listening and for your support and encouragement.”
Launched in 1992, Radio Wimbledon provided extensive coverage of the Championships, including live match commentaries and press conferences, as well as news and score updates.
The station, which broadcasted solely during the Championships on 87.7FM in the Wimbledon area, recently went digital where it attracted a large international internet following.
Neil Harman, Tennis Correspondent for The Times, said to the South West Londoner: “Radio Wimbledon was a splendid concept, filled with good professional people and providing a wonderful service to its loyal listeners.
“Whatever happens, one has to hope that its spirit prevails.
“Making a change is only worthwhile if it is a change for the better.”
Fans of Radio Wimbledon have expressed their dismay at the decision.
One fan said on Twitter: “Awful news. Radio Wimbledon was the class of the Slams. The stories during the rain delays were the best. You will be missed.”
Another said: “A real shame to hear Radio Wimbledon is no more, was a part of my life every July since the mid-1990s.”
A third fan added: “Sad to hear about Radio Wimbledon. Most entertaining radio coverage of all the Slams. Almost made me hope for rain delays.”
However, the Radio Wimbledon team will still be involved in the Championships as an integral part of the wimbledon.com website.
AELTC Press Officer Johnny Perkins said: “It is important to stress that this is not the end of Radio Wimbledon, but more the beginning of a new era for it.
“None of which is to downplay the great efforts of the previous team which has done a brilliant job over the past years.
“The tender process has yet to be completed so until that happens we cannot make any further comment.”
The deal follows ESPN’s recent acquisition of all Wimbledon live U.S. TV rights in a 12-year agreement beginning in 2012.
