Wimbledon fans astonished by Sue Barker treatment after BBC presenter's return

Sue Barker's Wimbledon attendance left BBC commentator Andrew Castle and fans at home astonished on Tuesday. Barker was in attendance at Centre Court as Cameron Norrie was defeated by Carlos Alcaraz to end British hopes in the singles draw.

Barker became a staple of Wimbledon coverage having reached the tournament's semi-final during her playing career before becoming the face of the BBC's broadcast. The French Open winner anchored coverage for 22 years before stepping down from the responsibility but returned for an on-court interview of Andy Murray in his final appearance.

And now, on occasion, Barker can be spotted in the SW19 crowd but on Tuesday caught long-time colleague and ex-British No.1 Castle off guard. The legendary BBC presenter had not been among the announced guests of the day.

"Is that Sue Barker up there?" Castle asked co-commentator John McEnroe. "Where's Sue? What is she doing up there? I didn't see her on the list."

Cameras later returned to Barker in the crowd amidst a brief pause in play. It emerged that she was was seated in the members' enclosure rather than the Royal Box.

READ MORE: Tim Henman left with egg on his face as Wimbledon embarrassment resurfaces

READ MORE: Aryna Sabalenka interrupts Wimbledon interviewer after 'annoying' accusation

"Ah, [she's in a] box. Nearly in the Royal Box," Castle said. "That's the Royal Box over there. Maybe next time. Member's enclosure. Not bad."

And some fans on social media appeared to share the indignation that Barker had not been afforded a place in the tournament's most prestigious spot. One supporter said on X: "If anybody should be in the Royal box, it's Sue Barker!"

"Disgraceful that Sue Barker isn't in the Royal Box," added another. One user suggested string should have been pulled: "Surely @AndrewCastle63 Tim can get Sue Barker into the royal box with his contacts? She's a Wimbledon legend."

A further social media user suggested a reason for Barker's seating. "Sue Barker keeping her name off the list so Castle can’t track her down. Played," they said.

Behind the scenes, tennis legend Billie Jean King caught up with Barker however, and snapped a picture of the pair together. "Look who I found: the legendary Sue Barker," she said on X.

"Sue won 15 WTA titles, and then enjoyed an incredible 30-year sports broadcasting career."

Speaking at the end of her time presenting Wimbledon in 2022, the 69-year-old had only positive words to say about her time working in broadcasting.

Barker said: "What a wonderful time I've had working on some of the biggest sporting events around the world. I will miss it terribly, but after 30 years I feel the time is right for me."