‘The Roger Federer of broadcasting!’: John McEnroe pays emotional Centre Court tribute to departing presenter Sue Barker as she hosts her final day at Wimbledon after 30-year stint at the face of tennis coverage on the BBC
- John McEnroe paid an emotional tribute to Sue Barker on her last day at the BBC
- The 66-year-old is stepping down after 30 years as the face of tennis
- McEnroe thanked Barker before the two hugged on Centre Court this afternoon
- The embrace was in the build-up to the men’s final on Wimbledon’s final day
John McEnroe has paid an emotional tribute to Sue Barker on the broadcaster’s final day at Wimbledon.
Barker, who is stepping down from her role hosting tennis coverage on the BBC, was hosting the pre-match coverage on Centre Court before the men’s final between Novak Djokovic and Nick Kyrgios when McEnroe, working as a pundit, went off-script to thank Barker for her efforts over the years.
The three-time Wimbledon champion hugged Barker before stepping away from the camera.
Sue Barker and John McEnroe have been broadcast colleges at the BBC covering tennis
Barker arrived at Wimbledon this morning for her final day covering the tournament
‘Before I go I want to give you one last hug, Sue,’ said McEnroe, before the two embraced.
‘Thank you for everything, you’ve been amazing, unbelievable, we are going to miss you.
‘If you want [an] absolutely big time [comparison], you’re the Roger Federer of the broadcasting world.’
Barker blushed, before replying: ‘Thank you so much!’
Twitter reacted in similar fashion to Barker, welling up as the two tennis legends spoke.
‘I love that McEnroe keeps making a fuss of Sue Barker. It’s so beautiful’ said one user.
‘I think John McEnroe is gonna really miss Sue Barker,’ added another.
@BForce77 joked that ‘McEnroe calling Sue Barker the Roger Federer of broadcasting was the least annoying thing he’s ever said,’ whilst another posted: ‘Wonderful tribute (and hug) to Sue Barker just now by legend John McEnroe.’
Sue Barker with Novak Djokovic after he won the Men’s Singles Final in 2018, and in 1999
Barker, 66, had been offered a three-year contract extension by the BBC.
But she vowed to bow out on top and won’t be seen on screens after today’s final.
She revealed the death of her mother earlier this year was a contributing factor to her decision.
‘Basically I just feel the time is right. It has been my dream job and I have loved every minute of it, working with so many great colleagues who I am going to miss so much,’ she told the Daily Mail.
‘My mum was always so interested in my broadcasting career and we would speak every evening,’ she said.
‘When something like that happens it does make you reassess life, which is another reason I think this is the right time.’
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