Calling the Shots: My Autobiography

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I have always been a huge fan of A Question of Sport, and I was devastated when Sue was forced to leave. I found the journey to becoming a tennis star really interesting and it is forgotten with her broadcast career what an amazing player she was.

I’m sorry this comes over as a negative review, because on the whole it’s interesting to read of her gumption and professionalism in her sporting and television careers. I loved the honesty, the humour and the insight into the tennis life, the presenter life and the private life.

Of course I love a tennis biography but was delighted to hear that Sue Barker was releasing one so soon after retiring from Wimbledon coverage. Currently underway, the FIFA Women’s World Cup not only showcases some of the best footballing talent in the world, but also some of the best stories about overcoming hurdles and hardship to succeed. I hadn't realised just what a good player she was and how many Tournaments she won; also her Broadcasting career was second to none covering all the major sporting events and some non-sporting, in a career lasting thirty years. And that’s not a story unique to women’s football; from motorsport to gymnastics via tennis and more, there are women who have faced societal prejudices and personal and professional challenges to become the best at what they do. This is an interesting read of one of this countries favourite personalities that I enjoyed a lot more than I expected to.

This is a remarkable life story of a tennis champion, an award-winning broadcaster, and I enjoyed every minute listening to her incredible life story.As a broadcaster, in 2001 she became the first woman to win the Royal Television Society's best sports presenter award. And now, after four decades on camera encouraging other legends to share their stories, she is telling her own. The irritation with the press (and Cliff) continually bringing up a 'relationship' which barely existed in any material sense, is the only real intrigue. I am not a big tennis fan and haven’t watched “Question of Sport” for decades but I really enjoyed Sue Barker’s biography. I’d imagine she would be fun in the bar with her stories and she definitely would have an opinion on most players and their game.