Tributes paid to Sue Barker as she says farewell to Wimbledon

Sue Barker

(Picture: AP)

Sue Barker said a tearful goodbye to Wimbledon after her final stint presenting the BBC’s coverage.

The 66-year-old is hanging up her microphone after 30 years fronting the annual sporting showpiece.

Commentator and former Wimbledon champion John McEnroe introduced a package of Barker’s highlights, both as a player and a presenter, at SW19.

Sue Barker (PA)

Paying tribute, he said “Sue Barker is Wimbledon” while the great and the good of the sport including Andy Murray, Roger Federer, Pete Sampras, Chris Evert, Martina Navratilova, Rafael Nadal and Billie-Jean King all paid tribute to the former French Open champion.

From elsewhere in the sporting world, Olympians Robin Cousins and Michael Johnson also sent their best wishes for a happy retirement.

An emotional Barker said: “It’s been an absolute privilege. I’ve loved it, 30 amazing years.

“I’ll miss the job and most of all the people I work with. I’ve been so proud to front the programme so thank you.”