Wimbledon BBC cameras pan perfectly to David Attenborough as Raducanu match interrupted

Sir David Attenborough briefly became the focus of the BBC's Wimbledon coverage during Emma Raducanu's win over Renata Zarazua. The iconic Attenborough, revered for his wildlife and telelvision work, was on Centre Court when the British star's game was interrupted in amusing cirscumtances.

Raducanu had taken the first set and was in control of the second when her momentum was halted by a bird landing on Centre Court.

Play was held up as the animal casually strolled around on the grass, before eventually taking off as both players, and fans, saw the funny side.

And whoever was operating the BBC cameras clearly had their wits about them. The live coverage honed in on the 98-year-old, fitting given his lifelong association with animals.

Attenborough also appeared amused, smiling wryly to himself during the delay. He'd earlier been afforded a huge reception from the Wimbledon crowd as he made his way to his seat, walking unaided as he gratefully acknowledged the applause.

He was sat just yards away from David Beckham, with the pair appearing to speak warmly during the afternoon. And Attenborough was also seen using binoculars to get a close-up view of the action.

He wasn't left disappointed by Raducanu's display. The 2021 US Open champion prevailed 7-6 6-3, and Attenborough was seen clapping and grinning broadly after she converted match point.

And his appearance was lauded by fellow tennis fans, with @bjornostberg posting on X: "Absolute legend. Love the respect from the audience." @BellIntegration added: "National hero, Sir David Attenborough."

Attenborough and co would have arrived expecting to see Raducanu take on 22nd seed Ekaterina Alexandrova. However, the Russian withdrew just hours beforehand, citing illness.

The 21-year-old will next take on Elise Mertens on Wednesday. And she's likely to be back on Centre Court to face the Belgian, who overcame Nao Hibino in three sets in her own first round match.