Sue Barker fans accuse BBC of 'big mistake' after emotional Andy Murray interview at Wimbledon

Sue Barker fans have blasted the BBC after her emotional interview with Andy Murray at Wimbledon

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Jack Otway

By Jack Otway


Published: 05/07/2024

- 14:43

The 68-year-old was involved in an emotional interview on Thursday night

Fans on social media have praised Sue Barker and blasted the BBC after the 68-year-old interviewed Andy Murray at Wimbledon on Thursday night.

There wasn't a dry eye in Centre Court as Barker paid tribute to Murray, who was playing his last match inside the famous arena.


Murray had just lost in the doubles while playing alongside brother Jamie and is poised to retire from tennis after the Paris Olympics.

Barker returned to Wimbledon to interview her fellow Briton, two years after leaving her role as the BBC's main presenter for the showpiece event.

Sue Barker Andy Murray

Sue Barker fans have blasted the BBC after her emotional interview with Andy Murray at Wimbledon

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Barker has said in the past that she feels as though the Beeb could have handled her departure 'better'.

And many fans on social media have accused the BBC of a 'big mistake' by letting the former tennis star go.

"Just watched the match & wonderful interview by Sue Barker. She's the best. BBC made a big mistake," said one user.

"BBC treated Sue Barker dreadfully," were the words of a second.

A third said: "BRING BACK SUE BARKER BBC. Treble her salary but get her back. Grovel if you have to just do it."

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A fourth said: "What a mistake by the BBC. Sue Barker has just demonstrated why she should still be the main presenter of Wimbledon coverage. What a classy and lovely lady."

Another opined: "OK after seeing the reception that Sue Barker received when she walked on peeps at the BBC should be begging her to come back."

And a sixth stated: "Great to see Sue Barker back on TV. Not one single viewer thinks she's too old or should have been replaced. The BBC should be ashamed."

As well as being the face of Wimbledon, Barker was also the host of A Question of Sport.

She was replaced in 2022, however, saying the way it was handled had left her 'slightly damaged'.

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But seeing Barker and Murray talk at Centre Court on Thursday was certainly nostalgic.

Murray, a two-time Wimbledon singles champion, received sweet messages from Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic after his doubles defeat.

He cried with pride and paid tribute to his rivals, with the quartet making up the tennis big-four that will be remembered for many years to come.

“They weren’t the easiest guys to get past," said the 37-year-old.

"All tennis fans have been lucky to witness what they’ve gone on to do.

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Sue Barker Andy Murray

Sue Barker drove Andy Murray to tears with Wimbledon fans in love with the pair after their emotional interview on Thursday

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“It’s been incredible to watch and be part of some of the matches with them.

"I was fortunate to manage to get through a couple of times in big moments. What a time to be on tour.”

On playing with his brother Jamie in the doubles, he added: “It was obviously really special.

Sue Barker

Sue Barker left the BBC back in 2022 but returned to Wimbledon on Thursday

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"We never got the chance to do it before. There was a chance this year.

“Obviously it was a bit of a race against time to try and get out here and physically it wasn’t easy today.

"But I’m glad we were able to get out there and do this one time together.”

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