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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Entertainment
Victoria Johns

Sue Barker breaks down in tears at Wimbledon as colleague John McEnroe leads tributes

Sue Barker broke down in tears when John McEnroe paid tribute to the presenter as she prepares to retire from Wimbledon.

The 63-year-old has been reporting on the tennis tournament since 1993 and is loved by fans and players alike.

McEnroe, who won three Wimbledon titles, has been commentating on the tournament with Sue for years.

Leading the tribute during a parade of champions on Centre Court, he said: "Sue, on behalf of all the players, I just want to say that we're going to be lost without you.

"After 30 years of covering this tournament magnificently, please give it up for Sue Barker."

Sue was overcome with emotion (BBC)

The Centre Court whooped and cheered as they gave the star a standing ovation.

The much-loved host, who won a Grand Slam singles title at the French Open in 1976, couldn't hide her emotion as she thanked everyone for their well wishes, before making a cheeky dig at her colleague.

"Thank you so much but this is about the tournament," she said with tears in her eyes.

"All I can say is from now on John McEnroe is going to be commentating on Court 17 after that, going off script.

She teased her colleague her would now be reporting on Court 17 (REUTERS)

"But thank you that really does mean the world to me."

Former tennis player Billie Jean King also paid tribute to the British institution.

The six-time Wimbledon winner was one of Sue's rivals when they were still in the game, but they're good pals after becoming commentators.

Billie said: "You are the very best ever. I want everybody out there to know that. I am really upset that you are leaving because you know the game more than anybody and know the people more than anybody.

She's been presenting Wimbledon since 1993 (PA)
Legend! (PA)

"You have the appreciation and you just get it. Thank you for everything.

"Every time you are on television I get up out of my chair and stomp around. I can't believe you are leaving us."

With Wimbledon in fully swing, Sue hopes a British tennis star will snatch one of the singles titles to mark her final tournament.

There is still hope as Cameron Norrie and Heather Watson are both still in contention ahead of their fourth-round ties today.

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