‘Sue Barker is Wimbledon’ – Roger Federer, Andy Murray, Billie Jean King pay tribute as ‘GOAT’ bids farewell

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Sue Barker Wimbledon farewell

Sue Barker said a tearful goodbye to Wimbledon after her final stint at presenting the BBC’s coverage.

The 66-year-old is hanging up her microphone after 30 years of fronting the annual sporting showpiece.

Commentator and former Wimbledon champion John McEnroe introduced a package of Barker’s highlights, both as a player and a presenter, at SW19.

McEnroe said “Sue Barker is Wimbledon” while there were tributes from the great and the good of the sport.

Andy Murray, Roger Federer, Pete Sampras, Chris Evert, Martina Navratilova, Rafael Nadal and Billie-Jean King all paid tribute to the former French Open champion.

From elsewhere in the sporting world, Olympians Robin Cousins and Michael Johnson also sent their best wishes for a happy retirement.

“You made me cry,” eight-time Wimbledon winner Federer while Murray said: “You are going to be missed by everyone who loves tennis.”

King named Barker the greatest presenter, saying: “She’s an amazing example – if you want to be an amazing presenter, if you want to be anything in broadcasting – she’s the GOAT [greatest of all time].”

An emotional Barker said: “It’s been an absolute privilege. I’ve loved it, 30 amazing years.

“I’ll miss the job, I wish I had the next 30 years because I love it but most of all I’m going to miss the people I work with in front of the camera, behind the camera . You’ve just been absolutely amazing.

“I’ve just been so proud to front the programme. Thank you.”

Sue Barker

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