Sue Barker Bows Out from Wimbledon with Glittering Tribute
At 66, Sue Barker is hanging up her Wimbledon hosting hat. The former tennis pro and 1976 French Open champ has been a staple of the annual sporting extravaganza for decades.
John McEnroe Hails Barker as “Wimbledon Itself”
To mark her final bow, Wimbledon legend and commentator John McEnroe played a highlight reel celebrating Barker’s dual career as player and presenter. “Sue Barker is Wimbledon,” he declared, sparking widespread praise across the tennis world.
Champions and Celebs Pay Heartfelt Tribute
- Andy Murray, Roger Federer, Pete Sampras, Chris Evert, Martina Navratilova, Rafael Nadal, and Billie Jean King all showered Barker with praise.
- Olympians Robin Cousins and Michael Johnson sent their best wishes too, showing Barker’s impact stretches beyond tennis.
Fellow Players Will Miss Her Wit and Warmth
“I’ll miss her massively, professionally,” said ex-player Tim Henman. “Hopefully, she’ll have more time to hit the royal box and enjoy a few more glasses of champagne.”
“Sue, you know I’m upset you’re leaving, right?” Billie Jean King quipped. “Don’t worry, I’m probably leaving as well.”
Sue Barker leaves behind a legacy of grace both on court and screen, forever Wimbledon’s beloved face.