Tennis stars have said goodbye emotionally to Sue Barker, as she said she would like to be able to lead the BBC’s Wimbledon coverage for three more decades.
The 66-year-old was reduced to tears on Sunday after players such as Roger Federer, Andy Murray and Billie Jean King called her “simply the best” in an emotional tribute.
The former French Open champion had come out before the central track for the last time with little fanfare, after 30 years of presenting BBC Wimbledon coverage.
Fans said it was “shocking” that his start was not marked on the court after Novak Djokovic’s victory over Australian Nick Kyrgios.
But John McEnroe later introduced a package of Barker’s highlights, as a player and presenter, saying, “It’s time to say goodbye and say goodbye to the wonderful Susan Barker; [it’s] it’s not an easy job, I’ll tell you. You see our Sue thing, she’s just Wimbledon. “
Two-time Wimbledon champion Andy Murray said of Barker: “You’ve been amazing for our sport. I’ve grown up watching you on TV, and then obviously I’ve been interviewed many times. I also loved watching ‘t to Question of Sport. You will be greatly missed by all who love and watch tennis in this country. “
Sue Barker crosses the players bridge with Tim Henman on Sunday, July 10th. Photography: John Walton / PA
Federer, the 20-time Grand Slam champion, said Barker had made him cry “maybe not just once, but several times.” “Thank you for these amazing 30 years and for everything you have done for the game of tennis,” he added.
Former world number 1 Chris Evert described Barker as an “open, articulate and wonderfully knowledgeable tennis presenter,” adding, “I don’t think I want to go back to Wimbledon if I don’t listen to Sue Barker. But Sue, you had a tremendous career. You are a wonderful person with integrity and I wish you the best of luck. Go have fun with your husband and I hope we can always be friends. “
Tim Henman added: “We will miss her very much, but we hope she will give her more time to get to the royal box in the evening and have a few more glasses of champagne. So I look forward to it.”
Barker cried after the thrilling tribute as Henman, King, McEnroe, station Clare Balding and former Wimbledon champion Pat Cash joined SW19. And fans lined up to sing “we love you, Sue, we do” as the exciting tribute was played.
“It’s been an absolute privilege, I’ve loved it, 30 amazing years, thank you,” he said as he wiped away the tears. “I will lose my job, I would like to have the next 30 years to do it. I love it. Most of all I will miss the people I work with, in front of the camera, behind the camera, you have been absolutely amazing. I am very proud to lead the program. “
King called Barker “the goat,” while Balding suppressed tears as he paid tribute to the presenter’s professionalism, warmth and honesty.
McEnroe gave Barker a final hug on the center court before the men’s final between Djokovic and Kyrgios.
“Before I leave, I want to give you one last hug, Sue,” he said. “Thank you for everything. You’ve been amazing, amazing, we’ll miss you so much, you’re like Roger Federer of the broadcasting world.”
To Barker, who first presented Wimbledon in 1993, the BBC offered him a three-year extension, but pledged to get ahead and announced his retirement last month.