BBC Breakfast took an awkward turn on Thursday as a young tennis superfan failed to recognise the former World No. 1
Andy Murray.
In the run-up to
Wimbledon, British morning news programme BBC Breakfast invited young tennis fan Joanie Melady onto the show to discuss all things tennis.
However, presenters Naga Munchetty and Charlie Stayt were left feeling a little embarrassed after an interaction between 9-year-old Joanie and tennis veteran Andy Murray did not quite go as planned.
As the duo quizzed the youngster on her favorite tennis players, Joanie's immediate response was the 2021
US Open champion
Emma Raducanu. Meanwhile, Murray, himself a two-time Wimbledon champion and winner of the 2012 US Open, was notably absent from her list.
Whilst not mentioning Murray may not seem like a reason for embarrassment in itself, it did make what happened next a little awkward. Indeed, Naga, 48, joked that it would 'make the next moment a little bit awkward, but very, very funny' as she directed Joanie's attention towards the studio's screen. She went on to tell her that 'someone very special has sent you a message.'
The screen then played a video from Murray, in which he congratulated Joanie on winning her first tennis tournament and gently encouraged her to 'keep up the good work.'
Unfortunately, it took Joanie a moment to recognize the player, and she was unable to respond straight away when Naga asked her if she knew who it was. However, after a little help from the hosts, Joanie was able to identify Murray at last and was delighted to have received a special message from the former World No. 1.
Charlie, 61, then joked that they should re-do the segment so Joanie could properly take it in now that she knew who the mysterious messenger actually was.
Andy Murray is currently ranked at No. 39 in the world. His recent career successes include three challenger titles this season, and he will play against fellow British player Ryan Peniston in the first round of Wimbledon on Tuesday 4th July.