Sue Barker

Sue Barker CBE is one of Britain's most accomplished former professional tennis players and a highly respected television presenter. During her illustrious playing career, Sue won 15 WTA Tour singles titles, including the 1976 French Open, where she became Britain’s last female Grand Slam singles champion. At the peak of her career, she reached a world ranking of No. 3, making her one of the highest-ranked British tennis players in history. In addition to her singles success, Sue captured 12 WTA doubles titles and recorded notable victories over legends such as Martina Navratilova, Chris Evert, and Billie Jean King. Her powerful forehand and competitive spirit made her a standout player during an era of exceptional talent in women's tennis.

After retiring from professional tennis in 1984, Sue transitioned into broadcasting, quickly becoming a household name. She joined the BBC in 1993 and became the lead anchor for their Wimbledon coverage, a position she held with distinction for nearly three decades until stepping down after the 2022 Championships. Sue also presented the iconic sports quiz show A Question of Sport for 24 years, from 1997 until 2021, becoming the longest-serving host in the programme’s history. Her broadcasting career extended far beyond tennis; she was a key presenter for the Olympic Games, Grand National, Hennessy Gold Cup, World Athletics Championships, and Commonwealth Games, earning a reputation for her expertise, warmth, and professionalism.

Sue’s life experiences—both on and off the court—make her an inspiring speaker and event host. Having navigated the pressures of international sport from a young age, she speaks candidly about resilience, leadership, and performing under pressure. Her doubles career highlighted the importance of teamwork, a theme she draws upon when addressing corporate audiences. Sue’s ability to engage and connect with people makes her a natural in front of both the camera and live audiences, whether delivering an after-dinner speech or hosting an event with poise and humour.

In recognition of her outstanding contributions to sport and broadcasting, Sue has received numerous honours, including MBE in 2000, OBE in 2016, and CBE in 2021 for services to broadcasting and charity. In 2025, Sue will reunite with her former A Question of Sport co-stars, Phil Tufnell and Matt Dawson, for the A Question of... Live tour, bringing their celebrated camaraderie to audiences across the country. Whether as an event host, keynote speaker, or tennis legend, Sue offers a unique blend of experience, insight, and inspiration.