‘We're champing at the bit!'

Tennis legends Sue Barker and John McEnroe chat to TV Times about returning to SW19 and share their predictions for the 2021 championships…

- NICK CANNON

WIMBLEDON

LIVE MON-FRI / BBC1 & BBC2 / TIMES VARY / SPORT

Having been cancelled last year, for the first time since World War Two, due to the coronavirus pandemic, Wimbledon fans will be delighted to see the world-famous tennis championships return to SW19.

And no one is more excited to watch the action unfold than Grand Slam-winning British ace Sue Barker, who has been the face of the BBC’s coverage since 1994.

‘Just the fact that we’ll see players in all-white running around a little green surface is enough for me!’ laughs Sue, 65, as she joins TV Times for a catch-up via Zoom.

‘I live and breathe Wimbledon, so I’m boiling over with excitement that play can happen this year.’

Joining her again for the BBC coverage – on BBC1, BBC2, BBC Red Button and BBC Online – is three-time Wimbledon champion John McEnroe, 62, who rivals Sue in the excitement stakes!

‘I’m really buzzing!’ the tennis legend tells us, almost jumping out of his seat at his California home during our Zoom chat.

‘I’m looking forward to actually getting on a plane and coming to Britain. Being close to the court with a lot of excited spectators will be amazing, not only for me, but for the players and fans. We’re all champing at the bit!’

Here, Sue and John tell us about the challenges involved in this year’s contest and share their predictions…

In what ways are you expecting this Wimbledon to be different?