The 66-year-old broke down in tears on Sunday after the likes of Roger Federer, Andy Murray and Billie Jean King called her “simply the best” in a touching tribute. The former French Open champion had earlier left the Center for the last time with little fanfare, after 30 years of presenting the BBC’s Wimbledon coverage. Fans said it was “shocking” her retirement did not take place on court after top champion Novak Djokovic’s win over Australia’s Nick Kyrgios. But John McEnroe later presented a highlight package of Barker, as a player and as a presenter, saying: “It’s time to say goodbye and goodbye to the wonderful Susan Barker. [it’s] It’s not an easy job, I’ll tell you. You see our Sue thing, it’s just Wimbledon.’ Two-time Wimbledon champion Andy Murray said of Barker: “You’ve been amazing for our sport. I grew up watching you on TV and obviously I’ve interviewed you many times. I enjoyed watching you on Question of Sport too. You will be sadly missed by all who love and follow tennis in this country.” Sue Barker crosses the Players Bridge with Tim Henman on Sunday 10th July. Photo: John Walton/PA Federer, the 20-time grand slam champion, said Barker made him cry “maybe not just once but many times”. “Thank you for these incredible 30 years and everything you have done for the game of tennis,” he added. Former world No.1 Chris Evert described Barker as an “honest, level-headed, wonderfully knowledgeable tennis presenter”, adding: “I don’t think I want to go back to Wimbledon if I’m not going to listen to Sue Barker. But Sue, you’ve had a tremendous career. You are a wonderful person with integrity and I wish you the best of luck. Go have fun with your husband and I hope we can always be friends.” Tim Henman added: “She will be sorely missed but hopefully it will give her more time to get to the royal box in the evening and have a few more glasses of champagne. So I’m looking forward to that.” Barker wept after the emotional tribute as she was joined by Henman, King, McEnroe, televangelist Claire Balding and former Wimbledon champion Pat Cash at SW19. And fans lined up to chant “we love you Sue, we do” as the touching tribute was played. “It’s been an absolute privilege, I’ve loved it, 30 wonderful years, thank you,” she said as she wiped away tears. “I will miss the job, I wish I had the next 30 years to do it. I love it. Most of all I will miss the people I work with, in front of the camera, behind the camera, you have been unbelievably amazing. I’m so proud to be part of the program.” King called Barker “the Goat” while Balding fought back tears as she paid tribute to the presenter’s professionalism, warmth and honesty. McEnroe hugged Barker on Center Court ahead of the men’s final between Djokovic and Kyrgios. “Before I go, I want to give you one last hug, Sue,” he said. “Thank you for everything. You were amazing, incredible, we will miss you so much, you are like the Roger Federer of the TV world.” Barker, who first presented Wimbledon in 1993, had been offered a three-year contract extension by the BBC but vowed to bow out and announced her departure last month.
