The BBC is to broadcast live 3D coverage of the Wimbledon men’s and ladies’ singles tennis finals on July 2 and 3.

These will be the first live 3D broadcasts from the BBC and will be available to anyone who has a 3D TV set. 

Live 3D coverage of the men’s singles final will also be available in a limited number of cinemas across the UK and at a screening at BBC Television Centre. There will be a random draw for free tickets to this at bbc.co.uk/showsandtours.

The Corporation’s coverage is being provided in partnership with AELTC and Sony Professional.

The Wimbledon singles finals will also be broadcast in standard definition on BBC One and in HD on BBC One HD.

“This is a hugely important experiment for us and I'm pleased that we have the opportunity to show some of our stunning sports coverage to our audiences, in 3D, for free," said director of BBC Vision George Entwistle.

Freeview managing director Ilse Howling said: “We’re delighted that anyone that has access to a 3D TV set and to Freeview HD can get closer to the action on Centre Court as they experience the Men’s and Ladies’ finals of the 2011 Wimbledon Championships in 3D for the first time.

“Since Freeview HD launched, 225,000 (10 per cent) of Freeview HD televisions sold have the capability to display 3D pictures and Freeview HD coverage continues to increase across the UK.

“We hope this 3D TV editorial experiment by the BBC is a sign of new things to come for Freeview viewers.”

Photo: courtesy of AELTC.