Wimbledon Finals to Become First Ever 3D Broadcast on BBC

The BBC have announced that it will broadcast the men’s and women’s singles finals at this year’s Wimbledon Championships live in 3D, becoming the first programmes to do so on the British network.

The matches will be played on Saturday 2 July and Sunday 3 July and free-to-air broadcast will be available to anyone who has access to a 3D TV set and HD Channels.

Danielle Nagler, head of BBC HD and 3D, said: “We’re bringing audiences a new way of getting close to the action. I’m sure that 3D will only add to the drama as the world’s greatest players compete for the championship.”

Last year, world number one Rafael Nadal’s victory over Tomas Berdych in the 2010 final was watched by an average of 5.6m viewers, while 2.3m watched the women’s final, in which Serena Williams won her fourth singles title at the event.

BBC executive sport producer Paul Davies added: “This unique 3D transmission is the latest innovation to bring to life all the tension, drama and excitement on one of the most iconic sporting arenas in the world.”

As well as coverage on BBC One, BBC HD and BBC Two, viewers will also be able to follow the tournament via the BBC Sport website and the BBC Red Button.

The broadcaster will no doubt be hoping for another successful run in the competition for local favourite and British number one Andy Murray after he was defeated by eventual champion Nadal in the semi-final stages of last year’s event.