Sue Barker almost never existed after BBC legend’s mum attempted ‘DIY abortion’

On Sep 19, 2022

Sue Barker has revealed her mum almost terminated her pregnancy with a DIY abortion.

The former Wimbledon host and tennis ace, 66, was an unplanned baby. Her mum Betty downed gin and “bounced down the stairs” in an attempt to terminate the pregnancy as she was terrified there wasn’t enough cash to bring her up.

Sue said: “My dad worked really hard, but they had just budgeted for two kids and they didn’t have a lot of money left over. Then, a few months after my brother was born, suddenly my mum Betty was pregnant again.

“She always said to me, ‘I didn’t want you. I feel so bad about it’.”

Sue said despite her now-dead mum’s admission about not wanting her she was extremely close to her parents who supported her tennis career despite their financial woes. Barker quickly rose up British tennis ranks to become one of the greatest players these shores have ever seen.

Barker’s biggest triumph came in 1976, when she claimed her only Grand Slam victory as she beat Renata Tomanova to win Roland Garros.

Sue Barker was a succesful tennis player
(Image: Mirrorpix)

There was also a semi-final appearance at Wimbledon the following year, where she was dumped out of tennis’ premier tournament by Betty Stove. Barker also reached the semi-finals of the Australian Open on two separate occasions.

Barker is perhaps best known for heading up the BBC’s coverage of SW19, and the 66-year-old bid a tearful farewell to hosting duties after the 2022 edition of the tournament.

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