John McEnroe threatened to quit BBC Wimbledon coverage as he showed true colours
Sue Barker's emotional farewell from Wimbledon in 2022 left fans and players heartbroken. And former BBC colleague John McEnroe even joked he British tennis legend Tim Henman would quit in a show of solidarity to the beloved broadcaster.
After nearly three decades as the face of Wimbledon coverage, Barker bid adieu to her role at the BBC. Tributes poured in from around the tennis world for the television icon, who had become synonymous with the London Grand Slam.
During Barker's final Wimbledon appearance, McEnroe expressed his surprise at her decision to step down. The American tennis great even hinted he and pundit Henman might exit in protest, questioning the future of the tournament without her, showing both his good-natured side and the respect with which he holds Barker.
"We all agreed we would only go as long as you can," he said during one of Barker's final broadcasts (via Wales Online). "Now you have put the pressure on us! What is going to happen next? Henman are we going to have a tournament next year?"
However, amid the light-hearted banter about his own future, McEnroe shared a litany of heartfelt moments with Barker. And he honoured her with a touching tribute as she made her last appearance on Centre Court.
"Sue, one final word. On behalf of all the players, I just want to say that we're going to be lost without you," said the 66-year-old in acknowledgement of Barker's achievements. "After 30 years of covering this tournament magnificently, please give it up for Sue Barker."
Henman couldn't resist a playful jibe at McEnroe's expense as he chimed in: "I am not sure, I think Sue said 30 years working with you [McEnroe], she's not sure she could carry on. We need to debate it."
Fast forward three years, and the dynamic duo of McEnroe and Henman are still gracing screens with their expert analysis at Wimbledon. McEnroe balances his commentary duties at SW19 with other broadcasting gigs across the pond and at major tennis events.
Devon-born Barker became a beloved figure in the world of tennis broadcasting, with an interview by the former French Open champion considered a milestone for many players. She expressed her heartfelt gratitude to fans and colleagues when she bade farewell to the BBC, but not without a final witty remark aimed at McEnroe.
"Thank you so much, but this is about the tournament," she said during a teary goodbye to the major. "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."
For nearly 30 years, Barker was the face of the BBC's Wimbledon coverage, a role now filled by Clare Balding and Isa Guha. Meanwhile, McEnroe and Henman continue to provide insightful commentary and analysis at SW19
The sight of Barker in the members' enclosure at this year's Wimbledon caused quite a stir among fans. However, some insisted that if anyone deserved a seat in the Royal Box, it was her.
Once a mainstay on the BBC as Question of Sport host, Barker faced another significant departure when she called time on that role after 24 years. However, that bombshell generated more discord than her recent exit given it wasn't actually her decision.
"It's their show, it's their right. They wanted to make changes and do everything and that's absolutely fine," she said during an appearance on This Morning last October, "We totally accepted that, it's just the way it was handled. But, it's all gone now and we're back together."
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