Bud Collins does last Wimbledon for NBC

LONDON, July 9 (UPI) -- Bud Collins Sunday made his last appearance on NBC's annual "Breakfast at Wimbledon" in London.

The 78-year-old Collins was told recently his contract is not being renewed.

Several reports have said Collins was "hurt" about his termination. The longtime Boston Globe sportswriter has worked at the prestigious Grand Slam event for 35 years.

His last NBC Sports appearance occurred after Sunday's men's singles final, in which Roger Federer defeated Rafael Nadal to win his fifth straight Wimbledon title.

"I'm not crying," Collins recently told USA Today. "It's been 35 terrific years at NBC. I love tennis, especially Wimbledon, and hope to remain in tennis."

Collins said he would do more TV "if somebody else" wants him.

The Berea, Ohio, native was responsible for many memorable phrases identified with the sport -- like "moonball" (a high, soft shot), "The Bucharest Buffoon" (a nickname he gave former men's great Ilie Nastase), and "The Big W" (for Wimbledon).