Few figures in British sport have captured the public’s affection quite like Susan Barker. For three decades, her face was synonymous with the drama, heartbreak, and triumph of the Wimbledon championships. Long before she picked up a microphone, however, she was already making history on the tennis court. Her formidable forehand and fierce competitive spirit made her one of the top players in the world.
Understanding her journey requires looking back at a career of two distinct, highly successful halves. From her early days swinging a wooden racquet on the courts of Devon to anchoring the biggest sporting events on global television, she has lived a life firmly in the spotlight. Her story highlights the power of resilience, reinvention, and a deep-rooted love for sport.
Quick Bio Table
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Susan Barker |
| Date of Birth | 19 April 1956 |
| Place of Birth | Paignton, Devon, England |
| Highest Tennis Ranking | No. 3 (March 1977) |
| Grand Slam Wins | 1 (1976 French Open Singles) |
| Spouse | Lance Tankard (Married 1988) |
| Notable TV Roles | Wimbledon Anchor, A Question of Sport Host |
| Honours | MBE, OBE, CBE |
Early Life and Background
Susan Barker Born on 19 April 1956, Susan Barker spent her formative years in the coastal town of Paignton, Devon. She was the youngest of three children, growing up in a supportive family environment that nurtured her sporting ambitions from an early age.
Her life changed significantly at the age of 10 when she caught the eye of Arthur Roberts. A highly respected coach who had previously mentored Angela Mortimer to three Grand Slam titles, Roberts immediately recognised a rare talent. He took her under his wing, charging her just £1 per session, and helped develop a forehand that would later be feared by the best players in the world. Roberts remained a steadfast mentor throughout her playing days, instilling a sense of discipline and tactical awareness that shaped her game.
Outgrowing the local British tennis system, Susan Barker made a bold move at just 17 years old. Advised by her coaching team, she relocated to California to play on the professional circuit. Moving from a shared bedroom in Devon to her own townhouse in Newport Beach was a massive culture shock, but it allowed her to train alongside legends like Rod Laver. This strategic move accelerated her development and prepared her for the rigours of the international tour.
Susan Barker Education
Susan Barker Before packing her bags for the bright lights of California, she attended the Marist Convent school located on Fisher Street in Paignton. The historic Grade II listed building provided a strict but grounded educational foundation for the future champion.
Even while studying, tennis remained her primary focus. Her unique arrangement with Arthur Roberts meant that she was balancing the demands of a traditional convent school education with elite athletic training. This early discipline helped her manage the intense pressures of professional sport and live television later in life.
Susan Barker Career Highlights and Achievements
Susan Barker Her professional life is divided into two phenomenal chapters: a world-class tennis career and a groundbreaking run in sports broadcasting.
A Tennis Champion
Turning professional in 1972, she quickly made her mark on the WTA tour. Her defining moment arrived in the spring of 1976. Arriving at Roland Garros as a top seed, she dominated the clay courts and reached the final against Czech player Renáta Tomanová. Despite a nervous practice session the day before, she secured a 6–2, 0–6, 6–2 victory. At just 20 years old, she was a Grand Slam champion.
By March 1977, she had climbed to World No. 3. That same year, she reached the semi-finals at Wimbledon. In a heartbreaking match, she lost to Betty Stöve. It was a golden opportunity missed, especially in the Queen’s Silver Jubilee year. Despite this setback, her career statistics remain hugely impressive. She claimed 15 WTA singles titles and 12 doubles titles, recording victories over absolute legends of the game, including Martina Navratilova, Billie Jean King, and Chris Evert.
Injury struggles, particularly severe Achilles and shin issues, eventually forced her to retire from professional tennis in 1984 at the age of 29.
A Master of Broadcasting
Retirement initially left her feeling lost, but a surprise phone call from the boss of Australia’s Channel 7 opened a brand new door. She started providing tennis analysis in 1985, learning the ropes of live broadcasting.
By 1993, she had joined the BBC, initially appearing as a regular guest on Today at Wimbledon. Just a year later, she took over as the lead host. For the next 30 years, she was the undisputed face of the BBC’s Wimbledon coverage. Her unparalleled knowledge of the game, combined with her warm, empathetic interviewing style, made her a favourite among players and fans alike.
Beyond Centre Court, she became a versatile television powerhouse. She hosted Grandstand, the Olympic Games, the Commonwealth Games, and the BBC Sports Personality of the Year awards. Furthermore, she succeeded David Coleman as the presenter of A Question of Sport in 1997, steering the beloved quiz show until 2020.
Susan Barker Personal Life and Relationships
Susan Barker Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, her personal life frequently attracted tabloid attention. She experienced a few high-profile relationships, most notably a brief romance with pop star Cliff Richard in 1982. The singer later admitted he had seriously considered asking her to marry him, though the relationship eventually ran its course.
In 1988, she found lasting happiness when she married landscape gardener and former policeman Lance Tankard. The couple had initially met in Portugal, and their relationship blossomed after a chance encounter back in the UK. Today, they live a quiet, contented life together in the picturesque village of Stanton, Gloucestershire.
Susan Barker Net Worth
Susan Barker Estimating the exact financial standing of a prominent television personality can be challenging. Various sources place her net worth anywhere from £2 million up to the tens of millions.
During her active tennis career, she earned approximately $878,701 in prize money. While that figure pales in comparison to modern tennis earnings, her subsequent broadcasting career proved highly lucrative. Over three decades at the BBC, she commanded a top-tier salary. In 2008, reports indicated her contract to cover the London 2012 Olympics and other sports was worth around £375,000 annually. Alongside her television earnings, she has augmented her wealth through her 2022 autobiography, Calling the Shots, and its accompanying nationwide promotional tour.
Impact and Legacy
Her legacy transcends her trophy cabinet. As a trailblazer for women in sports broadcasting, she broke down barriers in an industry traditionally dominated by men. When she first picked up a microphone, female anchors for major sporting events were incredibly rare. By the time she stepped down from her Wimbledon duties in 2022, the landscape had completely transformed, thanks in large part to her steady, authoritative presence.
The British establishment has formally recognised her immense contributions to both sport and charity. She was awarded an MBE in 2000, followed by an OBE in 2016. In 2021, she was appointed a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE).
Her emotional farewell on Centre Court in 2022 perfectly encapsulated her impact. Surrounded by tributes from legends like Roger Federer and Andy Murray, crowds chanted her name. It was a fitting send-off for a woman who had spent a lifetime elevating the game of tennis.
Conclusion
Susan Barker From the quiet courts of Paignton to the roaring crowds of Centre Court, this remarkable journey serves as a masterclass in adaptation and passion. Whether holding a racquet or a microphone, she has consistently demonstrated grace under pressure and a profound respect for the sporting world.
If you want to read more about her incredible life in her own words, pick up a copy of her autobiography, Calling the Shots. It offers a fascinating, behind-the-scenes look at the realities of the professional tennis tour and the demanding world of live television.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did she win the French Open?
She won the French Open women’s singles title in 1976 at the age of 20, defeating Renáta Tomanová. She remains the last British woman to win the singles title at Roland Garros.
Why did she leave A Question of Sport?
She stepped down as the host of A Question of Sport in 2020 after the BBC decided to refresh the programme. She hosted the show for 24 years, recording her final episode in September 2020.
Who is she married to?
She has been married to Lance Tankard, a former policeman and landscape gardener, since 1988. They reside in Gloucestershire.
