ESPN has announced an enhanced Wimbledon broadcast schedule for 2025, featuring a star-studded commentary team including Chris Evert and John McEnroe. This announcement follows ESPN’s long-term agreement with the All-England Club, signed in 2021, which secures broadcast rights through 2035 and promises over 250 hours of live tennis during the July championships. The expanded coverage will include additional programming during Wimbledon’s middle weekend and a special highlights show called Wimbledon Match Point, airing from June 30 to July 4.
The broadcaster’s streaming service, ESPN+, will deliver live footage from every court throughout the tournament, ensuring fans can watch all matches from start to finish. Leading this impressive group of analysts are Chris Evert, an 18-time Grand Slam champion, and John McEnroe, who has claimed seven Grand Slam titles. Evert expressed her enthusiasm for the upcoming event, posting on her X account:
“Can’t wait; we have a GREAT team…”
Joining Evert and McEnroe are familiar ESPN voices including Rennae Stubbs, Darren Cahill, Pam Shriver, and Brad Gilbert. New additions to the team for this edition are Sam Querrey and sports journalist Jeff Darlington, broadening the expertise and perspectives presented to viewers.
Chris Evert’s Wimbledon Legacy and Rivalry on Grass Courts
Chris Evert, known for her baseline play and tactical precision, admitted that grass was never her favorite surface. Despite this, she captured three Wimbledon singles titles in 1974, 1976, and 1981. Her style contrasted sharply with her great rival Martina Navratilova, whose aggressive serve-and-volley approach suited grass courts perfectly. Navratilova herself won nine Wimbledon singles championships, dominating the All-England Club’s tournaments during her career.
Evert and Navratilova met in five Wimbledon finals, each time with Navratilova emerging victorious. Over their long rivalry, which spanned from 1975 to 1987, both players were dominant forces, with one of them ranked World No. 1 for nearly the entire period. Their head-to-head record included 80 matches, with Navratilova leading 43-37 overall and holding the advantage in their most important encounters.
Since retiring, Evert and Navratilova have become close friends, frequently collaborating on speaking engagements to recount their historic matches. Reflecting on their rivalry in 2022, Evert responded on X to a question about one of their 80 tour matches:
“Did you beat me that match? Oh, yes, it’s on grass. I’m sure you did!!!”
A New Era of Wimbledon Analysis Awaits Fans
The collaboration between Chris Evert and John McEnroe, combined with ESPN’s expansive Wimbledon coverage, is set to captivate tennis enthusiasts worldwide. Their insights, alongside a seasoned team of broadcasters, promise an in-depth and engaging viewing experience throughout the biggest grass-court tournament. As Wimbledon returns to London in July 2025, fans can anticipate comprehensive analysis, live updates, and unforgettable tennis moments delivered across multiple platforms.
With ESPN’s commitment extending through 2035 and a lineup boasting past champions and expert commentators, the network is poised to enhance the way audiences experience the Wimbledon Championships in the years to come.