Bidding farewell after 30 years in the presenting hot seat, Sue Barker was visibly tearful as the crowd cheered, clapped and chanted her name at Wimbledon's Centre Court.
“It’s been an absolute privilege”, Barker told the crowd. “I’ve loved it. Thirty amazing years. Thank you”.
A video was introduced to the Wimbledon crowd,by John McEnroe with several ex tennis and sport stars paying tribute to Sue Barker. These stars included Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer, Pete Sampras, Martina Navratilova, Andy Murray, and Billie-Jean King, along with Olympians Robin Cousins and Michael Johnson.
As he introduced the video, McEnroe said, "Sue Barker is Wimbledon".
See below.
“I think my final message to Sue is that I’ll miss her massively, professionally”, former Tennis star Tim Henman also added. “She’s been here every Wimbledon that I’ve ever been involved in as a professional player and now working on the tournament side and for the BBC”.
“We’ll miss her massively but hopefully it’ll 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 that”.
Former Wimbledon champion Andy Murray paid tribute to Barker.
"Hi Sue, I just wanted to send you a message to wish you a happy retirement".
"You've been amazing for our sport and I've always, well I've grown up watching you on the TV, and then obviously I've been interviewed by you many times".
"I've loved watching you on Question Of Sport as well. You're going to be sadly missed by everyone who loves and watches tennis in this country".
Along with her time presenting Wimbledon, Sue Barker also enjoyed a successful tennis career, winning the French Open in 1976.
