Tennis stars bid an emotional farewell to Sue Barker as she said she wished she could host the BBC’s Wimbledon coverage for another three decades.
The 66-year-old broke down in tears on Sunday after players including Roger Federer, Andy Murray and Billie Jean King called her “simply the best” in a moving tribute.
The former French Open champion earlier walked off Center Court for the final time with little fanfare, after 30 years of featuring on the BBC’s Wimbledon coverage.
Fans said it was “shocking” her departure was not marked on court following top seed Novak Djokovic’s win over Australia’s Nick Kyrgios.
But John McEnroe later presented a package of Barker’s highlights as a player and presenter, saying: “It’s time to say goodbye and goodbye to the lovely Susan Barker; [it’s] It’s not an easy job, I’ll tell you that. You see things with our Sue, she’s just Wimbledon.
Two-time Wimbledon champion Andy Murray said of Barker: “You’ve been incredible for our sport. I grew up watching you on TV and obviously I’ve been interviewed by you many times. I also loved watching you on Question of Sports. You will be sadly missed by all who love and watch tennis in this country.”
Sue Barker crosses the Players’ Bridge with Tim Henman on Sunday 10 July. Photo: John Walton/Pennsylvania
Federer, the 20-time Grand Slam champion, said Barker made him cry “maybe not just once, but several times”. “Thank you for these incredible 30 years and everything you have done for tennis,” he added.
Former world No 1 Chris Evert described Barker as a “candid, articulate, wonderfully knowledgeable tennis presenter”, adding: “I don’t think I want to go back to Wimbledon if I don’t want to hear Sue Barker. But Sue, you had a great career. You are a wonderful man of integrity and I wish you luck. Go have fun with your husband and I hope we can always be friends.
Tim Henman added: “She will be greatly missed but hopefully this will give her more time to get to the royal box in the evening and have a few more glasses of champagne. So I’m looking forward to that.”
Barker wept after the touching tribute as she was joined by Henman, King, McEnroe, broadcaster Claire Bolding and former Wimbledon champion Pat Cash at SW19. And fans lined up to chant “we love you Sue, we love you” as the touching tribute was performed.
“It’s been an absolute privilege, I’ve loved it, 30 amazing years, thank you,” she said as she wiped away tears. “I will miss the job, I wish I had the next 30 years to do it. Love it. Most of all I will miss the people I work with, in front of the camera, behind the camera, you are absolutely amazing. I am so proud to lead the program.”
King called Barker “The Goat” as Balding fought back tears as he paid tribute to the presenter’s professionalism, warmth and honesty.
McEnroe gave Barker a final hug on Center Court on the eve of the men’s final between Djokovic and Kyrgios.
“Before I go, I want to give you one last hug, Sue,” he said. “Thank you for everything. You were amazing, amazing, we will miss you absolutely, you are like the Roger Federer of the broadcasting world.”
Barker, who first presented Wimbledon in 1993, was offered a three-year contract extension by the BBC but vowed to turn it down and announced her retirement last month.
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