John McEnroe compared Sue Barker to the great Roger Federer as he bid her an emotional farewell on Centre Court ahead of Sunday's men's Wimbledon final.
Barker, 66, confirmer earlier this year that she would be stepping down from presenting BBC's coverage at SW19, after almost three decades in the role. During that time, her face - and voice - has become synonymous with the iconic grass-court Championships.
Earlier in the tournament, she fell ill with laryngitis, creating fears that her final ever Wimbledon could be cut short. However, she hasn't missed a day of work despite the condition, and was meticulous as ever as she opened up coverage for the last time.
And shortly before Nick Kyrgios and Novak Djokovic emerged in front of a sell-out crowd, McEnroe and Barker were joined by Pat Cash in previewing the clash live on BBC. The outspoken American then had to dash to join his own US commentary team, but before he did so, he paid tribute to his long-time colleague.
"Before I go I want to give you one last hug Sue," he said, before embracing the former French Open champion. "Thank you for everything, you’ve been amazing, unbelievable, we’re gonna miss you.
"You're like the Roger Federer of the broadcasting world." For once Barker seemed lost for words, and then fittingly, McEnroe lightened the moment by walking off in the wrong direction.
"Where you going?" she laughed, before a blushing McEnroe tip-toed back past the camera towards where he was meant to be. And sure enough, the exchange was well received by tennis fans.
"What a lovely hug from John McEnroe to Sue Barker," tweeted @Juniper700. "Find it hard to believe it's her last Wimbledon. I hope they give her a fantastic send off, she so deserves it. It won't be the same without her. She has done a superb job"
@kayschofield50 added: "Couldn’t have put it better than the great John McEnroe - Sue Barker is the Roger Federer of broadcasting and Wimbledon - the GOAT. WIMBLEDON will not be the same without her. So delightful and knowledgeable, irreplaceable."
@BForce77 joked about McEnroe's divisive tendencies, writing: "McEnroe calling Sue Barker the Roger Federer of broadcasting was the least annoying thing he's ever said."
Prior to heading onto the court, Barker and McEnroe had begun proceedings by taking the same walk through the All England Tennis Club that Kyrgios and Djokovic would later do. The seven-time Slam winner halted proceedings to humorously ask Barker if he could change her mind about retiring.
Her replacement is yet to be confirmed, with Clare Balding and Isa Guhu amongst the favourites with the bookmakers. McEnroe himself has also been touted for the role.
