Sue Barker breaks down in tears after BBC show emotional montage to mark her retirement after 30 years on screen | The Sun

SUE BARKER was in tears as the curtain closed on her brilliant 30-year career in broadcasting.

The BBC showed an emotional montage full of tributes from tennis stars and colleagues after Novak Djokovic beat Nick Kyrgios to win his seventh Wimbledon crown.

Former Grand Slam winner Barker – who won the French Open in 1976 and was once ranked No 3 in the world – joined the BBC in 1993.

She has become one of the nation's most loved TV presenters and revealed earlier this year that she would retire after this tournament.

After hanging up her microphone, Barker, 66, said: "Ah, this is going to be really embarrassing.

"It has been an absolute privilege. I have loved it, 30 amazing years. Thank you, thank you. I have loved it. I will miss the job. I love it. 

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"Most of all, I will miss the people I have worked with, in front and behind the camera. you have been absolutely amazing.  I am so proud to front the programme. Thank you.

A crowd who had gathered underneath the BBC's studio to say goodbye to Barker broke into chants of: "We love you Sue, we do!"

And tennis legend Billie Jean King called Barker the "GOAT" as she stood next to her.

The 12-time Grand Slam winner said: "I think Sue is the best presenter they have ever had, No.1 no matter what. Sue Barker is the GOAT.

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"Men and women, she is an amazing example, if you want to be a presenter, you wan to be the best in the field of broadcasting, Sue Barker. I’ll tell you, she is the GOAT. The best ever.”

In an emotional video shown by the BBC, tennis stars past and present paid tribute to Barker, thanking her for the last 30 years.

SW19 icon Roger Federer gushed: "Thank you for everything you have done in the game of tennis.

"[In] interviews on court, you made me cry. I wish you all the very best for the future and again thank you for those incredible 30 years and everything you have done."

Andy Murray said: "I've grown up watching you on the TV and then obviously been interviewed you by many times. You're going to be sadly missed by everyone who loves and watches tennis."

Two-time winner Rafael Nadal, who pulled out of this years semi-finals through injury, said: "Thank you for all the great things that you did during all these years.

"We will miss you and wish you all the very best in your future."

And Martina Navratilova called Barker a "champion" on and off the court, saying: "She was a great champion on and off the court. Whenever she is on the screen, you always feel better.

"When she is on there, she makes you feel better about yourself even when you are not involved, which is pretty magical.

"Sue just took the role and just ran with it. She is giving up the baton but I am not sure anyone can pick it up."

Laura Robson, who retired from tennis earlier this year, wrote on Twitter: "Sue Barker has been the voice of Wimbledon my entire life. Can’t imagine it without her. The best of the best! Love you Sue!"

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