• Williams covered tennis on radio and television for the BBC • Sue Barker: ‘He was a wonderful commentator and broadcaster’

This article is more than 4 years old

This article is more than 4 years old

The former BBC tennis commentator Gerald Williams has died at the age of 86.

Williams worked alongside Des Lynam as part of the BBC’s Wimbledon coverage on radio and television.

Barbara Slater, director of BBC Sport, said: “Gerry was one of the finest tennis commentators of our time. His famous Wimbledon commentary and his on-screen partnership with Des Lynam will be remembered with fondness by everyone at BBC Sport. He was a man of great talent and will be sadly missed.”

The presenter Sue Barker said: “I always admired his style and humour and was thrilled when he asked me to be his co-commentator many times. He was always so helpful and encouraging and I knew I was learning from the very best.

“We remained close friends on and off air – dinners with Gerry were always full of laughter and his love of tennis was infectious. He was a wonderful commentator and broadcaster but above all a great friend.”