Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Andy Murray were among many that surprised Sue Barker during an emotional montage dedicated to the former French Open winner that is stepping down from the BBC’s broadcast, after a 30-year long association with the tournament.
Tim Henman stopped Barker live on air after Novak Djokovic’s final victory over Nick Kyrgios, and said that while he doesn’t enjoy interrupting her, he and John McEnroe had a special message for the presenter. The broadcast cut to a montage commemorating Barker, which McEnroe voiced and led tributes alongside tennis greats such as Billie Jean King, Virginia Wade, Pete Sampras and Chris Evert.
Barker was clearly moved by the montage, she was in tears and consoled as Jean King and Clare Balding joined the broadcast next to Henman Hill, where fans chanted “Sue, Sue, Sue!” Jean King declared Barker “the GOAT!”, while Henman gave her an open invitation to the royal box with plenty of champagne.
The broadcasting legend fought through the tears to give her thanks to her colleagues and tennis fans. “Can I just say it has been an absolute privilege to do this job,” Barker said. “I have loved it, 30 amazing years.” She later added: “I’ll miss the job, I wish I had another 30 years to do it… I’ve been so proud to front the programme.”
Barker hosted her first Wimbledon for the BBC in 1993 when she became the first woman to be a lead presenter at a major sporting event for the BBC, and has fronted the coverage ever since.
McEnroe gave Barker a big hug before Djokovic’s 4-6 6-3 6-4 7-6 (7-3) win over Kyrgios, and once again jokingly asked her to stay on before thanking her. “Before I go I want to give you one last hug Sue,” McEnroe said during the BBC’s Wimbledon final coverage. “Thank you for everything you have been amazing, unbelievable, we are going to miss you. You are like the Roger Federer of the broadcasting world.”
We’ll be bringing you the very latest updates, pictures, and video on this breaking news story.
For the latest news and breaking news visit:/sport
Stay up to date with all the big headlines, pictures, analysis, opinion, and video on the stories that matter to you.
Follow us on Twitter @DExpress_Sport – the official Daily Express & Express.co.uk Twitter account – providing real news in real-time.
We’re also on Facebook @DailyExpressSport – offering your must-see news, features, videos, and pictures throughout the day to like, comment, and share from the Daily Express, Sunday Express, and Express.co.uk.
Henman stopped Barker live on air and said that while he doesn’t enjoy interrupting the former French Open winner, he and McEnroe had a special message for her. The Broadcast cut to a montage commemorating Barker, which McEnroe voiced and led tributes alongside tennis greats such as Billie Jean King and Chris Evert.
This news is republished from another source. You can check the original article here