Roger Federer and Andy Murray led the tributes as Sue Barker’s Wimbledon final ended with an emotional elimination in front of cheering tennis fans. The 66-year-old has stepped down after 30 years at the helm of live sports broadcasting for the BBC. During a discussion about Novak Djokovic’s victory over Nick Kyrgios in Sunday’s men’s singles final, former British number one Tim Henman interrupted Barker to show her a montage looking back at her career with tributes from and former players. Eight-time Wimbledon champion Federer said “You made me cry”, while Murray said “You will be missed by everyone who loves tennis”. At the end Barker was wiping away her tears with a tissue, Henman’s arm around her, as Billie Jean King named her the best presenter. “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]” said the American 12-time Grand Slam singles champion. Wimbledon 2022: Sue Barker retires from BBC Wimbledon coverage after 30 years Three-time Wimbledon champion John McEnroe, who had earlier given Barker “one last hug” on Center Court before the men’s final, told Barker she was “the Roger Federer of the broadcast world”. Crowds had gathered near the rooftop studio where Barker was watching the video and broke into chants of “Sue! Sue! Sue! Sue!” and sang “we love you Sue, we do!” Barker has presented a range of major events for the BBC – including Wimbledon and Queens tennis, Olympics, Commonwealth Games, World Athletics Championships, London Marathon, Grand National, Royal Ascot and Sports Personality of the Year. A former tennis world number three who won the French Open title in 1976, Barker also reached the 1977 Wimbledon semi-finals before embarking on a broadcasting career that included presenting huge moments such as Murray becoming the first man British champion at Wimbledon after 77 years in 2013. “It’s been an absolute privilege – I’ve loved it, 30 great years, thank you,” he said. “I’m going to 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’m so proud to be part of the program. Thank you.”
