Sue Barker was reduced to tears after Wimbledon celebrated her 30 years of coverage with a wonderful tribute.
The 66-year-old, who appears to have recovered from laryngitis, is set to retire after the 2022 edition of the tournament after she has been the face of BBC ’s coverage for the last three decades. Barker’s television partner John McEnroe got the atmosphere going and kicked the tributes off towards the Brit during a parade of champions to celebrate 100 years on Centre Court.
“Sue, one final word,” the American seven-time Grand Slam champion said. “On behalf of all the players, I just want to say that we're going to be lost without you.
"After 30 years of covering this tournament magnificently, please give it up for Sue Barker."
The Centre Court crowd erupted to give the 1976 French Open champion a touching ovation, and Barker was visibly tearful as she thanked the Wimbledon Organisers. She then made a fitting joke at McEnroe’s expense, suggesting he is set to be demoted to lower courts.
“Thank you so much but this is about the tournament,” Barker said. “All I can say is from now on John McEnroe is going to be commentating on Court 17 after that, going off script.
“But thank you that really does mean the world to me.”
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American tennis icon Billie Jean King then offered her own celebration of Barker that almost triggered the waterworks once more. King was one of Barker’s greatest rivals during their intertwined careers, although the pair are now good friends.
“You are the very best ever. I want everybody out there to know that,” the six-time Wimbledon champion said. “I am really upset that you are leaving because you know the game more than anybody and know the people more than anybody.
“You have the appreciation and you just get it. Thank you for everything. Every time you are on television I get up out of my chair and stomp around. I can't believe you are leaving us.”
The latest edition of the SW19 Grand Slam will mark the end of an era as Barker is set to step down, and she has been synonymous with coverage of Wimbledon as she has dominated British screens during the summer on an annual basis.
After her playing days came to an end, Barker transitioned into broadcasting as she hosted Wimbledon highlights with the BBC alongside Harry Carpenter before eventually claiming the lead presenter’s role six years later in 1999.
She also previously held the presenter role at a Question of Sport but left last year with Paddy McGuinness taking the reins. She also lead the coverage of the Olympic Games, Commonwealth Games, World Athletics Championships and the London Marathon among others.
