"It's like when Bjorn Borg didn't play": John McEnroe insists new BBC host Clare Balding has big shoes to fill in Sue Barker retirement
OtherSunday, 02 July 2023 at 09:00
Former world number one John McEnroe has stated that Clare
Balding has a big task ahead of her in replacing Sue Barker as the BBC’s
Wimbledon presenter.
The third Grand Slam of the year will begin on Monday in
London. This year, there will be a major difference compared to previous years
as the former French Open winner Barker will not be there as a BBC presenter
after ending her 29-year-long association with the organisation.
She rejected the contract extension stating that it was perhaps
the ‘right time’ to do that.
McEnroe, who won three Wimbledon titles in his illustrious
career, has suggested that the 52-year-old will have a tough task replacing the
67-year-old as her absence will be similar to that of five-time Wimbledon
winner Bjorn Borg at the mega-event.
“Yeah, that (Barker’s absence) is going to be a bummer,” said
the 64-year-old. “Sue is a legend. She was incredible
at what she did, so it’s going to be a void. It’s like when [Bjorn] Borg didn’t
play.
"For us, it was a huge thing. So especially since I’ve been doing this,
the other side, the commentary side, for as long as I have been doing it with
her, she just makes it easier for everyone around her.
“And she did that for 25 years or something. So it’s a tough
act to follow. The old cliche: all good things come to an end. She decided that
this was enough, go out I guess on a high. And God bless her. Hopefully, she’ll
come by and say hello.”
Azeem Siddiqui is a seasoned sports journalist and data analyst with a strong background in both digital media and live sports production.
He began his journalism career working with partners of The New York Times and has since contributed to several leading international sports publications, including Fox Sports Asia, Calciomercato, and GiveMeSport. Since 2023, Azeem has been part of the TennisUpToDate team, where he has played a key role in sustaining the platform’s growth and ensuring tennis fans receive timely and reliable coverage of the sport’s biggest stories.
In addition to his editorial work, Azeem has extensive experience as a data analyst in live sports broadcasting—particularly in cricket—where he combines analytical precision with creative storytelling. He has collaborated with multiple production companies and cricket boards worldwide, delivering real-time insights and data-driven narratives during live match coverage.
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