“I got in awful trouble,” When Sue Barker went off-script during Andy Murray’s Wimbledon triumph
Follow Us
Queen Elizabeth II celebrating Andy Murray's Wimbledon victory
Sue Barker has been the face of British tennis for as long as one can remember. The British presenter revealed a moment back from 2013, when she almost landed herself in trouble with Wimbledon authorities. Andy Murray became the first Scot in 117 years to lift the title on Centre Court, which made it quite a historic occasion.
Sue Barker revealed that there was a set script to be followed by her every year during the on-court interview. However, given the momentous occasion, she decided to go a little off script, which did not go down well with authorities.
Andy Murray defeated Novak Djokovic in the finals to claim his second major title. The Scottish player made light work of his opponent, winning the match in straight sets.
“I got in awful trouble with Wimbledon, because Wimbledon had asked me, in the early 2000s, to do the on-court interviews and to read out… and you know, I have a little script. It’s very Wimbledon. ‘The winner of the gentlemen’s singles trophy for whatever year it is is so and so,” Sue Barker had said.
“I just felt it needed something more,” Sue Barker on Andy Murray’s Wimbledon win
Sue Barker revealed the moments after Andy Murray’s historic win over Novak Djokovic were pretty emotional. Hence, she had to add a few lines to the standard script to soak in the moment.
“And suddenly, I looked over at Andy and he was crying, and I could hear on Murray Mount the crowd were going mad. There was such a buzz around Centre Court, I said, I can’t just read this. So I said, ‘We’ve waited 77 years for this!’ I just felt it needed something more,” she added.
“That was the highlight for all of us. He was amazing. The pressure he was under… I don’t know how he did it,” she added.
Andy Murray went on to claim his second Wimbledon title three years later. This time, he defeated Canadian, Milos Raonic in the finals in straight sets to claim his third major title.
Sue Barker had earlier stepped down BBC’s head of live sports broadcasting, after being in the role for almost over two decades. “I will miss it terribly. I wish I was 30 years younger and starting out. I loved the job and I didn’t want to give it up but I felt it was the right time and I could walk out with my head held high, which I was able to do,” Barker said.
Also Read: ‘Little bored’ Serena Williams prods fans with a comeback hint posting photos of her new racket
Stay Updated!
/techfirstnow/media/agency_attachments/kATjCXskQdJKkXN0OuqW.png)