Sue Barker

Sue Barker

British professional tennis player and sports journalist
Date of Birth: 19.04.1956
Country: Great Britain

Content:
  1. Sue Barker: Tennis Champion and Sports Journalist
  2. Early Career and Breakthrough
  3. Grand Slam Triumph at Roland-Garros
  4. Continued Success and Rise in Doubles
  5. Partnership with Anne Kiyomura
  6. Fed Cup and Later Career

Sue Barker: Tennis Champion and Sports Journalist

Born in the small Devon town of Paignton, Sue Barker's tennis journey began with Arthur Roberts as her coach in neighboring Torquay. In the early 1970s, Barker competed in her first matches at an ITF tournament in Torquay.

Early Career and Breakthrough

By 1973, Barker was competing in the Virginia Slims qualifying rounds, and in 1974, she won her first professional tournament, the Swedish Open, in both singles and doubles. She also made her debut for Great Britain in the Fed Cup semi-finals, alongside Virginia Wade.

In 1975, Barker emerged as a rising star in the tennis world. She reached the semi-finals of the Australian Open, defeating Olga Morozova before losing to Yvonne Goolagong. She also won the Australian Open junior title. She continued her success with titles in Hobart and Alexandria.

Grand Slam Triumph at Roland-Garros

In 1976, Barker became the first British woman to win a Grand Slam singles title since 1977 when she triumphed at the French Open. Seeded first due to the absence of Chris Evert and other top players, Barker defeated Regina Marsikova, Virginia Ruzici, and Renata Tomanova in the final rounds.

Continued Success and Rise in Doubles

Barker remained a force in tennis, reaching the semi-finals of three Grand Slams in 1977 and peaking at world number four. However, following a semi-final loss at Wimbledon, her singles form declined.

In 1978, Barker began a new chapter in her career with success in doubles. She reached the Wimbledon semi-finals alongside Mona Guerrant, defeating Billie-Jean King and Martina Navratilova in the process.

Partnership with Anne Kiyomura

In 1979, Barker formed a successful partnership with American Anne Kiyomura. The duo won seven tournaments together, including the 1981 WTA Tour Championships. They also reached the final of the Championships twice more and the 1979 Virginia Slims Championships.

Fed Cup and Later Career

Barker's last singles tournament victory came in Brighton in 1981. She continued to play in doubles, winning her final tournament in 1982. She retired in 1984 after a first-round loss at the Australian Open.

Following her playing career, Barker became a respected sports journalist and commentator. She worked for the BBC, covering Wimbledon and other major tennis events.

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