BBC icon Sue Barker was forced to hold back the tears in an emotional interview with Roger Federer as she returned to the nation’s screens, after retiring at last year’s tournament. Clare Balding has since stepped into the main presenter spot, but viewers were delighted to see Barker back once again on the broadcast.
Barker was reminiscing with Federer ahead of Wednesday’s matches in a sit-down interview, as he brought up Barker’s farewell last year when she was given a huge send-off by the tournament – but Barker was quick to move on as she admitted that she would be reduced to tears if asked to speak about it.
“Honestly it was the best thing to ever happen to me in my career and I get emotional even thinking about it so I’m going to move on,” Barker said as she scrambled to get back to talking about Federer’s career.
The legendary face of Wimbledon on the BBC was in tears as she received a standing ovation on Centre Court nearly a year ago, as broadcasting partner John McEnroe was among those to pay tribute amid the 100 years of Centre Court celebration.
“Sue, one final word,” McEnroe said at last year’s tournament. “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.”
The crowd erupted for the 1977 French Open champion as she thanked the tournament organisers before making a joke at the American’s expense. “Thank you so much but this is about the tournament,” Barker said. “All I can say is from now on John McEnroe is going to be commentating on Court 17 after that, going off script. But thank you that really does mean the world to me.”
BBC’s coverage of SW19 has been revamped this year in the 67-year-old’s absence, with the familiar studio overlooking Centre Court scrapped while Monday’s first coverage on BBC One was hosted by Qasa Alom alone.
Balding, who is stepping up in Barker’s absence, said she was relishing the opportunity in a statement after her new role was confirmed.
“It’s a huge honour to be given this responsibility but I am very aware that no one person can fill Sue’s shoes,” she said. “It’s my job to bring out the best in them and to help make our viewers feel they have a front row seat on the greatest sporting stage.”
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