Sue Barker was hailed as “the GOAT” of tennis broadcasting as the BBC legend fought back tears at the end of her 30th Wimbledon.
The former French Open champion, now 66, announced her intention to hang up the microphone before The Championships. And on Middle Sunday, her applause rivalled any for the all-time greats during the Parade of Champions to mark the 100th anniversary of Centre Court.
At the start of her last day, fellow presenter John McEnroe gave the national treasure a huge hug live on air and told her: “You're like the Roger Federer of the broadcasting world." After Novak Djokovic beat Nick Kyrgios to win a seventh Wimbledon crown on Sunday, the BBC showed a video montage, starting with her playing career, followed by tributes from Federer, Virginia Wade, Chris Evert, Martina Navratilova, Pete Sampras, Rafael Nadal, Andy Murray and Des Lynam.
Billie Jean King, who then appeared live on air, said: “She is the best presenter they have ever had. She is the GOAT.” Barker was a fine player who won Paris in 1976 aged only 20 and reached the 1977 Wimbledon semi-finals.
Her successful second career - for which she is now better known - has seen her present coverage of the Olympic Games, Commonwealth Games, World Athletics Championships, the London Marathon, the Grand National, Royal Ascot, Sports Personality of the Year and Question of Sport.
She has been around so long she has gone from having a crush on David Ginola to being charmed by Matteo Berrettini after the Queen’s Club final last month. An emotional Barker said: “It has been an absolute privilege. I have loved it. I wish I had the next 30 years. Most of all, I will miss the people.”
Barker will always be closely associated with Murray’s Wimbledon finals, with his tears after his 2012 defeat and his historic win 12 months later. A BBC documentary in 2013, where he talked movingly about the Dunblane massacre, also improved his public image before his Grand Slam breakthrough. The Scot said: “You are going to be sorely missed by everyone who watches and loves tennis.”
Who do you think should replace Sue Barker as the BBC's Wimbledon lead? Let us know in the comments section.
The tributes continued online for Barker as former British No. 1 Johanna Konta —who retired in December—tweeted: "It’s safe to say that the @Wimbledon farewell video for #SueBarker broke me. Huge congrats on an amazing 30 years and wishing you all the best for the future, it’s been a privilege to see you in action."
Comedian Sue Perkins echoed that sentiment, saying she would "miss Sue Barker so much." She added: What a champ. Thank you for being in my living room for thirty years." Former pro Laura Robson, who retired in May, described Barker as "the voice of Wimbledon my entire life. Can’t imagine it without her. The best of the best! Love you Sue!"
Clare Balding—who has covered Wimbledon in different capacities for the BBC since 1995—is among the favourites to succeed Barker as the tournament's lead. That being said, even the top candidates for the role would agree the 30-year veteran can never truly be replaced.
