The BBC have announced that Clare Balding will front their Wimbledon coverage this summer in place of Sue Barker.
After three decades spent being the face of the Beeb's coverage at SW19, Barker walked away last summer having firmly established a reputation as one of the top presenters in sport. As well as tennis, she also worked on seven Olympic Games and hosted the famous Question of Sport quiz show.
And on Middle Sunday in 2022, her applause rivalled any that the all-time greats received during the Parade of Champions to mark the 100th anniversary of Centre Court. Barker herself fought back tears as she thanked colleagues, players and fans for their support.
In November, Barker, 66, was presented with the lifetime achievement award by Balding at the Action Women Awards. Speaking after accepting the honour, she seemed to inadvertently reveal her Wimbledon replacement by saying: "I just want to say, leaving Wimbledon, it’s incredibly… I’ve loved it all my life. I know I’m leaving it in the safest hands, it’s absolutely wonderful to leave it with Clare."
That has now been confirmed, and in a released statement, Balding spoke of her delight at the new role: “It’s a huge honour to be given this responsibility but I am very aware that no one person can fill Sue’s shoes," he said.
"This will always be a team effort and we’re lucky that the BBC line-up includes former professionals with huge insight as well as wonderful reporters and commentators. It’s my job to bring out the best in them and to help make our viewers feel they have a front row seat on the greatest sporting stage”
Balding herself is considered a consummate professional, and like Barker has worked on a host of Olympics, Paralympics, and Commonwealth Games events. She has also become a familiar face on the racing scene and served as President of the Rugby Football League, her term finishing in December last year.
Barbara Slater, Director of BBC Sport, added “We are thrilled to announce Clare as our new lead presenter for Wimbledon. We know she will combine her passion and knowledge for the prestigious event with the trademark energy and professionalism
she brings to both those working alongside her and watching at home, and we look forward to her taking up the new role this summer.”
This year's Wimbledon tournament begins on Monday, July 3. The 2022 grass court event was clouded in controversy due to the ban imposed on Russian and Belarusian players.
