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Sue Barker ‘rejected approach from rival broadcaster’ after BBC exit as former Wimbledon host stays away from cameras

BRITISH tennis icon Sue Barker has revealed that she rejected the chance to front Sky Sports’ tennis coverage.

The BBC stalwart called time on her broadcasting career in 2023 having been the face of the network’s Wimbledon and Queen’s coverage for three decades.

Sue Barker holding a microphone at Wimbledon.
PA

Sue Barker turned down the chance to work for Sky Sports[/caption]

She has remained away from the cameras for the most part, rarely making appearances on screen.

Barker made a return to Centre Court last summer to interview Andy Murray on his last appearance at Wimbledon.

And this year she featured in a social media video to promote the British Grand Slam.

Despite her brief appearances on screen, Barker has ruled out a permanent return to broadcasting.

CityAM has reported that the former Question of Sport host was asked if she would consider presenting tennis coverage for a rival broadcaster at a recent event in West London.

She rejected the idea, but admitted that she received an early approach from Sky Sports.

The sport broadcasting giant took over the main WTA and ATP Tour rights from Amazon Prime in 2024 and now covers some of the biggest events.

The 69-year-old went on to reveal that she turned down the offer.

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It is understood that a formal offer was not made to Barker following her initial response.

John McEnroe, Martina Navratilova, Billie Jean King, Tracy Austin, Pat Cash, Annabel Croft and Tim Henman are among the names to feature on the BBC for Wimbledon coverage this year.

Sky Sports declined to comment when approached by SunSport.

BBC’s Wimbledon line-up in full

Presenters:

Clare Balding, Isa Guha, Qasa Alom, Gigi Salmon, Clare McDonnell, Steve Crossman

Commentators: Andrew Castle, Chris Bradnam, James Burridge, Naomi Cavaday, Matt Chilton, Andrew Cotter, Katharine Downes, Paul Hand, Abigail Johnson, Robbie Koenig, David Law, Nick Lester, Ronald Mcintosh, Alison Mitchell, Nick Mullins, Pete Odgers, Simon Reed, Candy Reid, Andy Stevenson, Russell Fuller, Jonathan Overend, Iain Carter, Sara Orchard, Maz Farookhi, Claire Thomas, James Gregg, Delyth Lloyd, Chris Dennis, Shourjo Sarkar, Shabnam Younus-Jewell

Pundits:

John McEnroe, Martina Navratilova, Billie Jean King, Pat Cash, Tracy Austin, Tim Henman, Annabel Croft, Joe Durie, Colin Fleming, Daniela Hantuchova, Dom Inglot, Anne Keothavong, Alicia Molik, Ryan Harrison, John Lloyd, Nick Monroe, Arvind Parmar, Louise Pleming, Sam Smith, Liz Smylie, Mel South, Todd Woodbridge, Jayant Mistry, Louise Hunt, Katie O’Brien, Kim Clijsters, Laura Robson, Naomi Broady, Mark Woodforde, Jeff Tarango, Leon Smith, Coco Vandeweghe, Greg Rusedski, Daniele Hantuchova, Cara Black, Marion Bartoli


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