BBC viewers astounded at Sue Barker's treatment after legend's Wimbledon return
BBC commentator Andrew Castle and viewers alike were taken aback to see Sue Barker at Wimbledon on Tuesday. Barker was spotted in the Centre Court crowd as Cameron Norrie bowed out to Carlos Alcaraz, dashing British singles hopes.
Having carved her name as a Wimbledon icon by reaching the tournament's semi-finals in her playing days and later becoming synonymous with BBC's coverage, the French Open champ presented for 22 years before bowing out, although she made a comeback for an on-court chat with Andy Murray in his final outing.
Nowadays, Barker graces SW19 on occasion and unexpectedly popped up on Tuesday, much to the surprise of her former co-worker and one-time British No. 1, Castle. The broadcasting legend was not listed amongst the day's VIP guests.
"Is that Sue Barker up there?" Castle enquired of fellow commentator John McEnroe. "Where's Sue? What is she doing up there? I didn't see her on the list," reports the Mirror.
The cameras later zoomed in on Barker during a lull in the action, revealing her location in the members' enclosure instead of the prestigious Royal Box.
"Ah, [she's in a] box. Nearly in the Royal Box," observed Castle. "That's the Royal Box over there. Maybe next time. Member's enclosure. Not bad."
Social media buzz saw some Wimbledon fans questioning why Barker wasn't sitting in the most coveted spot of the grounds. One tweeted via X: "If anybody should be in the Royal box, it's Sue Barker!".
"Disgraceful that Sue Barker isn't in the Royal Box," another fan exclaimed. One social media user believed some strings should have been pulled: "Surely @AndrewCastle63 Tim can get Sue Barker into the royal box with his contacts? She's a Wimbledon legend."
Another commenter speculated on why Barker might have chosen her seat: "Sue Barker keeping her name off the list so Castle can't track her down. Played," they quipped.
Off-camera, tennis icon Billie Jean King had a catch-up with Barker and even shared a snapshot of the two. "Look who I found: the legendary Sue Barker," she posted on X.
"Sue won 15 WTA titles, and then enjoyed an incredible 30-year sports broadcasting career."
Reflecting on her illustrious career as she stepped down from presenting Wimbledon in 2022, the 69 year old had nothing but fond memories of her time in broadcasting.
Barker reflected: "What a wonderful time I've had working on some of the biggest sporting events around the world. I will miss it terribly, but after 30 years I feel the time is right for me."
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