10 Questions for Sue Barker

During a hugely successful career in tennis, Sue won the French Open and rose to No 3 in the world. She is now a TV presenter, best known as the host of A Question Of Sport. She will anchor nightly coverage of Wimbledon, which begins tomorrow. A documentary, called Sue Barker Our Wimbledon, will be screened today at 5.20pm on BBC One.

IS WIMBLEDON REALLY THE BEST TOURNAMENT?

Yes. Don’t take my word for it. Everyone from Bjorn Borg to Chris Evert says so. They were inspired by it. Every single champ I talked to in the documentary says the same.

WHAT DID PLAYING TENNIS TEACH YOU ABOUT YOURSELF?

It taught me how to be fearless and confident. I was shy growing up but tennis made me have a go at everything.

WERE YOU A GOOD LOSER?

I used to sulk, and it affected me badly. Bear in mind that losing meant not having enough money to compete the next week. There wasn’t the prize money there is now.

WOULD YOU RATHER COMPETE TODAY THAN BACK THEN?

I’d still elect to play in my era. We were all friends and still are. People like Chris Evert and Pam Shriver are my lifelong pals. Players don’t become friends now because they all have entourages.

WOULD YOU RATHER WATCH MEN’S OR WOMEN’S TENNIS?

Depends who’s playing. Women’s tennis is in transition and we need more big name personalities. The men’s game overshadows the women’s game now, but that can all change.

DO YOU GET SPECIALLY EXCITED WHEN BRITS DO WELL?

For sure. I used to scream for Tim Henman when he came close, and my idols were all Brits, players like Virginia Wade and Ann Jones. And Andy Murray has given so much to inspire youngsters to chase their dreams, especially in Scotland.

WHO IS YOUR SPORTING HERO AWAY FROM TENNIS?

Mary Peters. When I was having my sulky, stroppy, bad loser phase I watched her at the Olympics. Sometimes she failed but always with a smile and good grace. She taught me how to win and lose, and I have a photo taken with her in my lounge.

HIGHLIGHT OF YOUR BROADCASTING CAREER?

Interviewing Andy Murray on court after he won Wimbledon in 2013. That last game went on for ever. I’ve never known an atmosphere like it. Andy was so emotional he didn’t know where he was.

AND LOWEST POINT?

Steffi Graf’s last Wimbledon. I tried to say: “At least she goes with some great memories.” It came out as: “At least she goes with some great mammaries.” My director consoled me with: “Well at least you were factually correct.”

YOU HAVE 24 HOURS LEFT TO LIVE. HOW DO YOU SPEND IT?

I am the world’s worst procrastinator – ask my husband – so I’d simply put it off.