BBC sports presenter John Inverdale "is to be replaced" as the host of Radio 5Live’s Wimbledon coverage "in the wake of his sexist comments" about last year's champion, Marion Bartoli, according to Tony Bonnici of the LONDON TIMES. Inverdale "will be replaced by Clare Balding." Inverdale "sparked a furore during last year’s women’s final" with his comments about Bartoli. He has "now signed up" with Bartoli "to commentate on the French Open for ITV." Inverdale "will continue to work on the BBC’s tournament coverage with highlights on TV" (LONDON TIMES, 5/22). In London, Mark Sweney reported the BBC "attempted to distance the decision to use Balding from Inverdale's comments about Bartoli." A BBC spokesperson said, "We have a wide team of talent that work across TV and radio at Wimbledon and John is very much a part of this again this year." The BBC pointed out that Balding "has previously hosted Radio 5 Live's coverage of Wimbledon." The spokesperson added, "Clare Balding reprises her presenting role on Radio 5 live, which she has done before" (GUARDIAN, 5/22).
