John McEnroe said he'd quit BBC's Wimbledon coverage in joke with Tim Henman

Sue Barker's emotional farewell from Wimbledon in 2022 left many fans and tennis stars feeling bereft. So much so that former BBC colleague John McEnroe jokingly threatened to exit alongside British tennis legend Tim Henman as a show of solidarity.

After nearly three decades of service, Barker retired from her role at the BBC, having become an integral part of Wimbledon's coverage in that time. Tributes poured in from around the tennis world for the tennis pro-turned-broadcaster who had become synonymous with the tournament. And it was during Barker's final Wimbledon presentation that McEnroe expressed his astonishment at her departure and playfully hinted he and pundit Henman would also depart in protest.

"We all agreed we would only go as long as you can," he said amid widespread farewells from players and pundits to the SW19 icon (via Wales Online). "Now you have put the pressure on us! What is going to happen next? Henman, are we going to have a tournament next year?"

Amid the light-hearted comments about his future, McEnroe shared a more heartfelt testimony to Barker's career, acknowledging her overall impact on the competition and its place in the tennis pecking order. He honoured Barker with a poignant tribute as she made her last appearance on Centre Court.

"Sue, one final word. On behalf of all the players, I just want to say that we're going to be lost without you," he said. "After 30 years of covering this tournament magnificently, please give it up for Sue Barker."

Henman responded with a playful dig at McEnroe as he added: "I am not sure, I think Sue said 30 years working with you [McEnroe], she's not sure she could carry on. We need to debate it."

Three years on, both McEnroe and Henman maintain their roles as pundits on the Grand Slam's annual coverage. McEnroe balances his Wimbledon duties with other broadcasting roles for American networks and commentary at other major tennis events.

Barker, hailing from Devon, became a beloved figure in her own right, and an interview with the former French Open champion was considered a milestone for many. In her graceful departure from the BBC, she expressed gratitude to her fans and colleagues but couldn't resist a final jest at her long-time colleague.

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"Thank you so much, but this is about the tournament," said the seasoned broadcaster. "All I can say is from now on John McEnroe is going to be commentating on Court 17 after that, going off script. But thank you, that really does mean the world to me."

For nearly 30 years, Barker was the face of the BBC's Wimbledon coverage, a role now filled by Clare Balding and Isa Guha. However, McEnroe and Henman remain key figures as analysts.

This year's Wimbledon Championships saw some spectators disgruntled upon seeing Barker in the members' enclosure rather than the Royal Box. This sparked debate among fans who believed she has earned her place among tennis royalty.

This wasn't the first significant BBC position Barker had departed from, having also been removed from her role as Question of Sport presenter after 24 years. That departure, however, was far less amicable given the forced nature of her exit.

"It's their show, it's their right. They wanted to make changes and do everything and that's absolutely fine," she explained during an appearance on This Morning in October 2024. "We totally accepted that, it's just the way it was handled. But, it's all gone now and we're back together."