The BBC showed an emotional montage full of tributes from tennis stars and peers after Novak Djokovic beat Nick Kyrgio to win his seventh Wimbledon crown. 2 Sue Barker breaks down in tears after her 30-year broadcasting career Credit: BBC 2 Barker could not hide her emotion after seeing a moving tribute in her honorCredit: BBC Former Grand Slam winner Barker – who won the French Open in 1976 and was once ranked No 3 in the world – joined the BBC in 1993. She has become one of the country’s most loved TV presenters and revealed earlier this year that she would be retiring after this tournament. After hanging up the microphone today, Barker, 66, said: “Oh, that’s going to be really embarrassing. “It’s been an absolute privilege. I’ve loved it, 30 wonderful years. Thank you, thank you. I’ve loved it. I’ll miss the job. I love it.
“Most of all, I will miss the people I have worked with, in front of and behind the camera. You have been unbelievably amazing. I am so proud to be fronting the program. Thank you.” A crowd gathered below the BBC studio to say goodbye to Barker erupted in chants of: “We love you, Sue, we love it!” Tennis legend Billie Jean King called Barker “the GOAT” as he stood next to her. The 12-time Grand Slam winner said: “I think Sue is the best presenter they’ve ever had, No 1 no matter what. Sue Barker is the GOAT. FREE BET AND SIGN UP OFFERS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS “Men and women, she’s an amazing example, if you want to be a presenter, you want to be the best in broadcasting, Sue Barker. I’ll tell you, she’s the GOAT. The best ever.” In a moving video aired by the BBC, tennis stars past and present paid tribute to Barker, thanking her for the past 30 years. SW19 icon Roger Federer gushed: “I’d also like to add my biggest congratulations on your wonderful career at Wimbledon and the BBC. Also as a player of course I know how good you’ve been. “I’ll look back at the highlights we shared together: interviews in court, you made me cry, maybe not just once but many times. He added: “Thank you for everything you’ve done for the game of tennis, to be there, and I don’t know, put tennis in the right place, in a good place. “We both love Wimbledon so I’m sure it will be difficult for you, but I wish you all the best for the future. “Again, thank you for these incredible 30 years and everything you’ve done for the game of tennis, I appreciate it and hope to see you soon. Take care, Sue.” Sue Barker has been the voice of Wimbledon all my life. I can’t imagine it without her. The best of the best! I love you Sue! — Laura Robson (@laurarobson5) July 10, 2022 Andy Murray said: “Hi Sue, 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, grown up watching you on TV and then obviously I’ve done a lot of interviews with you. “I also enjoyed watching you on Question of Sport. And yes, you will be sadly missed by all who love and follow tennis in this country. “Well, yeah, we’re all sad about it, but yeah, all the best in your retirement.” Two-time winner Rafael Nadal, who withdrew from this year’s semi-finals due to injury, said: “Thank you for all the great things you have done over the years. “We will miss you and wish you the best in your future.” I will miss Sue Barker so much. What a champion. Thank you for being in my living room for thirty years ❤️ — Sue Perkins 💙 (@sueperkins) July 10, 2022 And Martina Navratilova called Barker a “champion” on and off the court, saying: “She was a great champion on and off the court. Whenever he’s on screen, you always feel better. “When it’s there, it makes you feel better about yourself even when you’re not working, which is pretty magical. “Sue just took the role and just ran with it. She’s stepping down, but I’m not sure anyone can take it.” Laura Robson, who retired from tennis earlier this year, tweeted: “Sue Barker has been the voice of Wimbledon all my life. Can’t imagine it without her. The best of the best! Love you Sue! “ Fellow BBC broadcaster John McEnroe had coined Barker the ‘Roger Federer of broadcasting’ earlier in the day. After Djokovic defeated Kyrgios in four sets on Center Court, Barker took her seat for the post-match interviews. And he hilariously reminded the Serb that it was his wedding anniversary. Barker’s replacement as the face of the BBC’s Wimbledon coverage is yet to be announced.