Former BBC presenter Sue Barker received a resounding reception from the Centre Court crowd upon her return to Wimbledon on Sunday.
Barker sat in the Royal Box at the All England Club alongside prominent sporting figures ahead of the third-round match between Novak Djokovic and qualifier Roman Safiullin.
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The sporting lineup included cricketers Sir Andrew Strauss and Sir Jimmy Anderson, rugby players Matt Dawson, Will Greenwood, Dan Biggar, and Alun Wyn Jones, and football World Cup winner Sir Geoff Hurst.
Barker appeared visibly moved when broadcaster Clare Balding read out her name, prompting the largest applause from the attending spectators.
Retirement on Her Own Terms
The former television host retired from her Wimbledon broadcasting role four years ago after directing coverage from the south west London venue since 1993.
Prior to her television career, Barker achieved success as a professional player, notably winning the French Open singles title in 1976.
Speaking previously to The Telegraph about her departure, Barker detailed her realization regarding aging and internal network discussions about future replacement hosts.
"I just sensed that, as you get older, you've got not many years left. And when you're hearing that they're having meetings about who's to replace you..."
said Sue Barker, Former BBC Presenter.
Barker explained that she rejected a contract extension to avoid having her broadcasting responsibilities gradually diminished over the subsequent three years.
"Although they offered me a contract, I suddenly thought over those three years [on the contract extension], will it be a case of: 'We'll just diminish Sue's role a little so that the transition is slightly easier.'"
