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Calling the Shots

My Autobiography

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Calling the Shots

By: Sue Barker
Narrated by: Sue Barker
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About this listen

Brought to you by Penguin.

Rewind to 1971, and Sue Barker's coach is sending his 15-year-old tennis protégé to a junior championship in France, alone, with a one-way ticket, telling her she'd have to win the money to pay for her return fare. Sue hides in the grounds of the hosting tennis club overnight, to avoid paying for a hotel. The next day, she walks onto court and smashes it. Five years later, and she's Britain's No 1.

The same combination of grit, grace and talent took her to the top of live Sports TV.

And now, after four decades on camera encouraging other legends to share their stories, she is telling her own.

Going all in for her once-only autobiography, Sue takes us inside the showbizzy world of '70s and early '80s tennis, dating the stars, hitting the headlines. She reveals the battles she fought for hard-won success in two careers, gives us a ringside seat on the nation's biggest sporting dramas, and a fascinating insider's understanding of competitors under pressure.

This is the remarkable life story of a tennis champion, an award-winning broadcaster who has brought sporting history into our living rooms for decades and a trail-blazing woman who has always called the shots.

©2022 Sue Barker (P)2022 Penguin Audio Sports Tennis Women Women in Business Biography Inspiring Thought-Provoking

Featured article: Motivational listens from women in sport


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. 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. From footballers to athletes and tennis players we've brought you the best stories and advice from on and off the pitch.

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Love the stories, love the woman telling the stories. A wonderful trip down memory lane for any tennis fan

Another Sue Barker triumph

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A well structured book about someone I have always admired. Beautifully read by Sue Barker.

GOAT SUE

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I thoroughly enjoyed the above. Well done Sue and Mr. Robert’s lovely story and a great experience.

YOU WIN LOVE ALL

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A brilliant listen, made even better by Sue Barker reading it herself. Highly recommended. Excellent

Brilliant listen

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I’ve just finished listening to this and have thoroughly enjoyed it. I think I’ve probably always been a Sue Barker fan but have only just realised that now she’s no longer on our screens. This is a really interesting book made all the better because it’s read by Sue herself. It’s fascinating to hear her describe her life as a tennis player and then as a broadcaster. She’s very generous in her acknowledgement of the support she’s received both playing and broadcasting. Thank you Sue Barker for sharing your memories.

Thank you Sue Barker…

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