Sue Barker She was the face of the BBC's Wimbledon protection for 30 years earlier than her departure as major presenter in 2022. The broadcaster and former skilled tennis participant made her internet hosting debut on BBC Tennis in 1993 and has since grow to be synonymous with the south London-based event.
After stepping down from her position, Sue bid a tearful farewell on the finish of Wimbledon 2022. Sue, 68, made approach for a brand new line-up of presenters this 12 months with Clare Balding, Kasa Alom and Isa Guha. However what was responsible for Sue's departure? Maintain studying for all the things we all know…
Sue Barker's departure as BBC Wimbledon presenter defined
Two years after stepping away from BBC Wimbledon, Sue has lastly spoken out about her departure. In June, the broadcaster revealed she determined to go away after discovering that conferences had been held to debate her alternative on the BBC.
“I spotted that as you become old, you don't have a few years left,” he stated. Wire. “And Whenever you hear they’re having conferences about who will substitute you,
© Sean Brooks/Motion Plus/ShutterstockSport query The host revealed that, regardless of being provided a contract extension, she “needed to work within the prime job”.
“Though they provided me a contract, all of the sudden I had to consider these three years [on the contract extension]She added, “Would it not be a case of, 'We'll cut back Sue's position a bit of bit to make the transition a bit of bit simpler.' And I didn't wish to be lowered.” “I'd like to have the highest job,
© Todd Antony/BBCSue stated that though her departure might have occurred “a couple of years earlier than” she was prepared, on reflection it was “good timing”.
Final 12 months, Sue determined to “keep away” from Wimbledon to keep away from taking the highlight away from new presenters.
“I assumed, 'I wouldn't prefer it if Des Lynam got here in my first 12 months',” she stated. “I didn't even do any interviews, as a result of I didn't need Isa to be [Guha] and Claire [Balding] Occur I picked up a newspaper that stated how a lot I missed Wimbledon,
Sue's emotional remaining present
In July 2022, Sue took half within the BBC's Wimbledon protection for the final time. Because the programme was about to finish, the broadcaster confirmed a montage showcasing her greatest moments over time.
As she ready to say her remaining farewell, she was joined by her successor Claire and tennis legends Billie Jean King, Tim Henman, John McEnroe and Pat Money, who paid tribute to the presenter as the gang chanted her identify.
© Sky UKBillie, a 12-time Grand Slam singles champion, stated: “She’s an incredible instance – if you wish to be an incredible presenter, if you wish to be one thing in broadcasting – she’s the most effective.” [greatest of all time],
“You make us really feel snug and I'm certain you're nervous, however you're Novak Djokovic, you don't look nervous and that's high quality. You make us really feel cherished, you actually do,” stated Pat, a five-time Grand Slam finalist.
Moved by his form phrases, a teary-eyed Sue stated: “It has been an absolute privilege. I cherished it. 30 fantastic years.”
