Sue Barker was in attendance at Wimbledon and fans were left fuming over her treatment at the tournament

At Wimbledon on Tuesday (July 9), the attendance of former presenter Sue Barker caught BBC commentator Andrew Castle and viewers at home off guard.

Sue watched as Cameron Norrie fell to Carlos Alcaraz, ending British hopes in the singles draw, from the Centre Court crowd. Having been a semi-finalist herself and became an important fixture with Wimbledon coverage during her 22-year tenure anchoring the BBC’s broadcast.

Although she has since stepped down, she did make a brief return for an on-court interview with Andy Murray. Sue occasionally attends matches at the All England Lawn Tennis Club and on Tuesday, she surprised long-time colleague and former British No. 1 Andrew Castle.

“Is that Sue Barker up there?” he asked co-commentator John McEnroe: “Where’s Sue? What is she doing up there? I didn’t see her on the list.”

When cameras panned back to the former tennis star in the crowd during a pause in play, it transpired that she was seated in the members’ enclosure.

Andrew noted: “Ah, [she’s in a] box. Nearly in the Royal Box,” prompting some fans on social media to express that Sue had not been allocated a place in the tournament’s most prestigious seating area, reports the Mirror

Sue Barker made a surprise appearance (Image: BBC)

“If anybody should be in the Royal box, it’s Sue Barker!” one fan posted. “Disgraceful that Sue Barker isn’t in the Royal Box,” a second viewer lamented.

Another suggested some strings 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 proposed a reason for the seating arrangement, jesting: “Sue Barker keeping her name off the list so Castle can’t track her down. Played.”

Sue Barker was not included within the Royal Box (Image: BBC)Off-camera, tennis icon Billie Jean King managed to catch up with Sue and shared a photo of their encounter. “Look who I found: the legendary Sue Barker,” she exclaimed while noting: “Sue won 15 WTA titles, and then enjoyed an incredible 30-year sports broadcasting career.”

Reflecting on her time as Wimbledon presenter in 2022, the 69 year old had nothing but praise for her broadcasting career.

Sue expressed: “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.”