Sue Barker will leave a “void” at Wimbledon like Bjorn Borg after his retirement, according to John McEnroe. The BBC presenter and former French Open champion hung up her microphone after her 30th and last Wimbledon last year.
McEnroe’s great rival and five-time Wimbledon champion Borg never played another Major after the age of 25 after losing the 1981 US Open .
Barker is now also 67 and McEnroe said: “Her not being there is going to be a bummer.
“But Sue is a legend. You know, I mean she was incredible at what she did. So it’s going to be a void.
“It’s like when (Bjorn) Borg didn’t play. For us, it was a huge thing.
“So especially since I’ve been doing this, the other side, the commentary side for as long as I have and doing it with her.
“She just makes it easier for everyone around her. And she’s did that for 25 years or something.
“So it’s a tough act to follow, shall I say? So we’ll see what happens.
“The old cliche is that all good things come to an end. She decided that this was enough, go out I guess on a high. And God bless her. Hopefully, she’ll come by and say hello.”
The BBC announced their new-look Wimbleodn line-up following Barker’s departure earlier this month.
Clare Balding will step in as the new lead presenter while former England cricketer-turned-broadcaster Isa Guha will host the show from 11am to start.
McEnroe will stay on as a commentator and will be joined by Pat Cash and Billie Jean King.
Tim Henman will also continue on commentary for BBC Radio 5 Live coverage.
John McEnroe is part of the BBC’s Wimbledon 2023 line-up. Catch all the action across BBC TV, radio and online from Monday July 3.
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