Sports
Djokovic’s Win Over Federer Attracts 9.6 Million Audience
Novak Djokovic’s epic five-set win over Roger Federer in the Wimbledon final on Sunday attracted a peak TV audience of 9.6 million on BBC 1.
On a huge day for British sport, an average of six million people tuned in to watch the longest ever Wimbledon final, lasting four hours 57 minutes.
England’s Cricket World Cup final win over New Zealand was watched by a peak of 7.9m across Channel Four and Sky.
Sky was the live TV rights holder for the Cricket World Cup and agreed to show the final on free-to-air television once England secured their place.
An average of 1.6 million people watched the action from Lord’s on Sky with an average of 2.4 million watching on Channel 4, with the peak occurring at 19:25 BST during New Zealand’s super over.
The total figure for unique visitors coming to the BBC online for cricket news and coverage throughout the World Cup was 29.6 million.
The peak TV audience for the Wimbledon final was at 19:05 during the historic fifth-set tie-break, which Djokovic won 7-3 to claim his fifth title at SW19.
Meanwhile, there were 28.3 million programme requests for Wimbledon 2019 online.
The British Grand Prix was watched by an average of 1.8 million viewers with the peak at 15:30 as Hamilton took the chequered flag to win the race for a record sixth time.
The highest TV sport audience of the year so far remains England’s semi-final defeat by the USA in the Women’s World Cup on 2 July, which had peak viewing figures of 11.7 million. The game attracted an average audience of 10.3 million.
Episode one of BBC One’s Line of Duty is the most watched programme overall of 2019 with 13.2 million, based on 28-day viewing data.
The Bayelsa State government, yesterday, announced that the marathon will be held on Saturday, April 4, 2026.
The inaugural race is owned by the Bayelsa State Government and will be organised by Nilayo Sports Management Limited, a sports management company.
Under the theme “The Reveal,” the race represents a bold unveiling of Bayelsa’s immense human and cultural potential to the international community, inviting the world to witness the resilience, grit, and talent rooted in the heart of the Niger Delta.
According to the organisers, the race will be flagged off at 9:30 a.m., at the Opolo Roundabout, guiding participants through a carefully designed 10-kilometre route that highlights the scenic beauty and vibrant atmosphere of Yenagoa.
The course will culminate at Peace Park Square, where athletes will cross the finish line into a grand celebration of endurance, unity, and community spirit.
To elevate the experience for runners and spectators alike, the finish venue will host a high-energy post-race concert featuring performances from top A-list artistes, blending sport and entertainment in a festival-style atmosphere.
The organisers directed all registered participants to collect their race bibs and kits at the designated Peace Park Square between March 30 and April 3, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. daily.
The race, according to them, is currently on track for World Athletics accreditation, underscoring the commitment of both the Bayelsa State Government and Nilayo Sports Management Limited to delivering an event that meets the highest global standards.
The Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Bukola Olopade, on Friday continued the Commission’s nationwide appreciation tour with a visit to Abeokuta, where outstanding junior athlete, Majekodunmi Afusat Bisola, was presented with a cheque of N3 million.
The presentation forms part of the NSC’s initiative to recognise and reward exceptional junior athletes who distinguished themselves in 2025 and contributed significantly to Nigeria’s medal haul.
Majekodunmi delivered an impressive run of performances on the track. At the last edition of the National Sports Festival, she stormed to gold in the 400m and the 4x400m relay. She replicated the double triumph at the Confederation of African Athletics (CAA) Junior Championship, in Abeokuta, before emerging as one of the standout stars at the African Youth Games in Luanda, Angola.
Speaking during the presentation, Olopade explained that the Commission deemed it necessary to extend financial appreciation to grassroots athletes after elite performers had earlier received grants running into thousands of dollars.
“A few weeks ago, after paying grants to our elite athletes, we agreed tthere was a need to also appreciate these young, budding talents who made Nigeria proud last year,” he said.
He disclosed that of the 376 medals recorded by Nigerian athletes in 2025, more than 200 were won by grassroots talents, underscoring the importance of sustained investment in youth development.