Princess Kate quizzed by Roger Federer after breaking Wimbledon rule
Princess Kate is known to be one of the sportiest royals in the Firm, often showing her love for her favourite sport: tennis.
The Princess of Wales has long been an avid tennis fan, attending almost every Wimbledon tournament since becoming a royal.
In 2023, Princess Kate joined Federer at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club in Wimbledon for a one-on-one match, and to her own surprise, ended up beating the former world number one player.
Roger even declared her winning shot "amazing", delighting royal fans who tuned in to watch Kate shed light on the hard work of ball boys and girls on the side of the court.
While Kate definitely knows her way around a tennis racquet, Roger still had a few choice words for the princess after noticing she made a major Wimbledon faux pas.
After Federer's teammate served the ball over the net towards the Princess, who was standing alongside ball girl Mollie to learn the ropes, Kate caught the ball in one hand.
While Mollie remarked that it was a "good catch", Federer questioned the move, as he asked: "Are you allowed to do that?" Wondering aloud herself, Kate replied: "Oh yeah, are you allowed to do that? That's a good point."
Federer then started explaining different rules to Kate, as he clarified while in Australia, players "would catch" the ball, but this wasn't done at Wimbledon.
Ball girl Mollie agreed: "Yeah, you're not meant to catch it. You're meant to let it bounce and then catch it, but good catch."
Kate pursued many sports during her childhood, having a passion for both tennis and hockey, but admitted she has had to put her sporting hobbies on hold since becoming a mother.
During a visit to Bond Primary School in South London in 2018 where she watched training overseen by the Wimbledon Junior Tennis Initiative, Kate told students that she has less time for tennis nowadays. She explained: "I love tennis, I think it's a great sport, I was really sporty when I was little, less so now that I've got lots of babies!"
Despite having less time for the sport herself, Princess Kate has passed on her love of tennis to her own children. In a 2019 interview with MailOnline, Roger Federer revealed he had given Prince George a private tennis lesson.
He said: "At that stage, it's all about just touch the ball, it's already good. Same with my boys. I think I have a little advantage that I actually spent some time, you know, with him." Noting that Kate has 'always enjoyed' the sport, Roger went on to express hope that young George might 'say the same in a few years' time'.
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South Wales Argus
25 minutes ago
- South Wales Argus
Jannik Sinner dethrones Carlos Alcaraz as Wimbledon champion
Only five weeks have passed since Carlos Alcaraz stunningly saved three match points in a French Open final fightback for the ages but his hopes of a third straight victory in SW19 were dashed by his great rival. This time it was world number one Sinner, who becomes the first Italian to win a Wimbledon singles title, that came from behind, claiming a 4-6 6-4 6-4 6-4 victory in three hours and four minutes – nearly two-and-a-half hours quicker than their Roland Garros epic. Jannik Sinner celebrates his moment of victory (Adam Davy/PA) The victory puts their rivalry back on a knife edge, with the 23-year-old now trailing Alcaraz only by five slam titles to four and putting an end to a five-match losing streak against the Spaniard. It is also Sinner's first slam title away from his favoured hard courts, while Alcaraz suffered a first major final defeat, unable to find the same magic that had brought him back from the brink on the clay. A penny for the thoughts, meanwhile, of Grigor Dimitrov, who led Sinner by two sets to love in the fourth round only for his body to fail him. Perhaps the Italian was due a stroke of luck, and he has made the most of it in superb fashion. Jannik Sinner is a Wimbledon champion 🇮🇹 The world No.1 defeats Carlos Alcaraz 4-6, 6-4, 6-4, 6-4 to win the 2025 Gentlemen's Singles Trophy 🏆#Wimbledon — Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) July 13, 2025 Sinner said in his on-court presentation: 'I had a very tough loss in Paris. But it doesn't really matter how you win or lose the important tournaments, you just have to understand what you did wrong, try to work on that. 'This is for sure one of the reasons why I'm holding this trophy. I'm very happy that I held my nerves. It's an amazing feeling.' Alcaraz said: 'It's difficult to lose. First of all I have to congratulate Jannik once again. It's a really well-deserved trophy. Unbelievable two weeks here in London playing great tennis. 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Sinner struck the first blow, a wild Alcaraz forehand handing over the first break in the fifth game, but back came the second seed with three games in a row. What a winner from Carlos Alcaraz for the first set! 🔥👉👂 Incredible entertainment here at SW19 💫#Wimbledon — BBC Sport (@BBCSport) July 13, 2025 Soon that was four, with Alcaraz winning surely one of the best set-winning rallies seen on Centre Court: Sinner's 118mph second serve was returned with interest, Alcaraz angled a forehand out wide, his rival thumped a forehand into the corner only for the Spaniard to somehow conjure a backhand winner. He stood with his finger pointed to his head as the crowd rose to acclaim another piece of tennis wizardry. In four of the 22-year-old's run of victories against Sinner, he had lost the first set, so this was a big statement, but Alcaraz then threw in a poor game to start the second. Sinner, who normally disguises his emotions as well as an Alcaraz drop shot, let out a loud shout of 'Let's go' when he saved a break point in the next game, the Italian determined to hold on to his advantage this time. Jannik Sinner plays a tweener volley (Jordan Pettitt/PA) He was forced to delay his serve at a crucial moment two games later when a champagne cork nearly hit him, prompting boos from the crowd and a rebuke from British umpire Alison Hughes. If Sinner did have Paris in his mind then serving for the set at 5-4 would have been a moment to tighten up but instead he produced a series of greatest hits, chasing down an Alcaraz drop shot, drilling a forehand winner down the line to bring up set point and then crunching another winner cross court. Sinner missed two chances for an immediate break at the start of the third set following a pair of Alcaraz double faults but the match was starting to feel marginally on his racket. This match 🤯 An unbelievable winner from Jannik Sinner to take the second set 🔥#Wimbledon — BBC Sport (@BBCSport) July 13, 2025 He showed his improvisational skills with a tweener drop volley, and at 4-4 it was the world number one who made the breakthrough, a forehand powered into the corner leaving Alcaraz on the floor and helpless as a volley landed mid court. And this time the serve was all Sinner needed to open up a potentially decisive advantage, with the Italian then moving a step closer by breaking again to lead 2-1 in the fourth set. Alcaraz survived a couple of close service games and the crowd willed him to turn it around, roaring as Sinner coughed up two break points at 4-3. Not this time, though, said the Italian as he responded with four points in a row. Moments later he was serving for the title – as he had in Paris – and creating three match points. He netted a backhand on the first but a 137mph serve on the second gave him his moment.
Scottish Sun
30 minutes ago
- Scottish Sun
Why is there a pineapple on the top of the Wimbledon trophy?
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) WINNING Wimbledon is one of the greatest feats a tennis player can achieve - with the men's champion presented with a spectacular trophy as well as millions in prize money! Here we take a look at the history of the cup presented to the Men's Singles winner and why there's a pineapple at its peak. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 3 Carlos Alcaraz won Wimbledon in 2023 and 2024 3 He defeated tennis GOAT Novak Djokovic to lift the Trophy on both occasions Credit: Sunday Times The Wimbledon Gentlemen's Singles Trophy is one of the most iconic prizes in the world of sport, instantly recognisable by its elegant design and the somewhat curious pineapple ornament perched on top of its lid. The trophy itself was first introduced in 1887, replacing earlier incarnations that had been permanently won by players after consecutive championship triumphs. Crafted by the prestigious silversmith firm Elkington & Co., the trophy stands 18 inches tall and weighs approximately three and a half kilograms. It is made of silver gilt and bears the inscription: 'The All England Lawn Tennis Club Single Handed Championship of the World.' Champions receive a three-quarter size replica of the cup instead of the real thing, which is kept at SW19 throughout the year. But it's the pineapple pinnacle that draws the most attention and curiosity. To understand why this particular fruit was chosen, it helps to consider the cultural context of the late 19th century. During the Victorian era, pineapples were not the everyday treat we know today. Instead, they were rare, exotic and expensive, often imported at great cost from tropical regions. Because of their scarcity and the difficulty involved in cultivating them in Europe, pineapples became a symbol of wealth and luxury. BBC Wimbledon pundit McEnroe walked out as furious fight broke out in press room They were often used as decorative motifs in architecture, furniture and silverware to convey status and welcome. Displaying a pineapple was a way to show generosity and high social standing. It was associated with warmth and hospitality, signalling to guests that they were honoured and valued. 3 Andy Murray lifted the trophy in 2013 and 2016 Credit: AFP This symbolism made the pineapple an ideal emblem to adorn the Wimbledon trophy, which represents not only sporting excellence, but also the prestige and tradition of the All England Club. Nobody is one-hundred percent sure why the trophy features the pineapple. But a spokesperson for the Wimbledon Museum backed up this theory: "In the 17th century pineapples were impossible to grow in the UK and they had to be imported, so being presented with one at a feast was seen as a great compliment. "You might have seen pineapples being used on gateposts of stately homes as you travel around the UK. It's because of their rarity." So while no official record explicitly states why the pineapple was chosen for the Wimbledon trophy, historians widely accept that its inclusion was meant to reflect these values of exclusivity and graciousness.
The Independent
33 minutes ago
- The Independent
Jannik Sinner breaks his Carlos Alcaraz curse with stunning Wimbledon title
At the end, Jannik Sinner lofted his arms aloft after a victory which must have felt like some time coming. The 23-year-old, in his typical unostentatious manner, crouched down in reflection before heading to his euphoric team in the east stand. Unlike the most devastating of defeats five weeks ago on the red brick of Roland Garros, when three championship points passed in a flash, the Italian had his crowning moment of the season this Sunday evening in south-west London. No longer bewitched by his adversary, Sinner claimed his first win over Carlos Alcaraz in six attempts and 20 months. The world No 1 had finally triumphed against his biggest foe. Despite dropping the first set here, the Italian kept his composure, stopped Alcaraz's three-peat quest and 24-win streak in its tracks and prevailed 4-6, 6-4, 6-4, 6-4. Of course, for some, it is a result with a bitter taste. It would be remiss not to mention Sinner's three-month doping ban earlier this year, suspiciously timed so he did not miss a major. Some argue, therefore, that Sinner should not even be playing this fortnight in SW19. And they may well be right. But the 'inadvertent contamination' of an anabolic steroid was seen by most as purely accidental. A costly mistake, but one in which Sinner's integrity was rightly not questioned. And so, scalpel-gate or not, Italy has its first Wimbledon champion, male of female. Sinner has his first non-hard court Grand Slam. And tennis has its next generation rivalry, thrust into the present-day, with 23-year-old Sinner the victor in their latest spellbinding duel. 'It's so special, seeing my parents here, my brother, my whole team, it's amazing,' Sinner said, on court, after the presentation ceremony. 'I had a very tough loss in Paris. At the end of the day it doesn't really matter how you win or lose, you have to understand what you did wrong, try and work on that. That's what we did, we accepted the loss. This is one of the reasons I'm holding this trophy here. 'I'm very happy I held my nerves, it's an amazing feeling. I never thought I'd be in this position, this was a dream of mine when I was young, I'm just living my dream.' Sinner stated beforehand that he wasn't sure whether a replication of their French Open epic was possible. 'We'll do our best,' he chuckled. Regardless, the sense of anticipation, of expectation, was tangible as the clock ticked past 4:10pm on a sun-drenched Centre Court. A slightly delayed start made the occasion all the more suspenseful; save for a plane overhead, you could hear a pin drop amongst 15,000 captivated onlookers. Yet that early serenity in the stands was contrasted with the adrenaline-fueled athletes on-court. If a statistic was needed to illustrate this, in just the third game of the match, Alcaraz thumped down the biggest serve of his career at 139mph. He'd later beat it by clocking 140mph. Sinner drew first blood as Alcaraz went astray with his groundstrokes in the fifth game. It's not an uncommon sight: the spectacular Spaniard often needs a wake-up call, a dip in quality, to spark into life. And indeed it transpired here. The defending champion kicked supremely into full throttle, reeling off four games in a row with an initial break back – winning a hard-hitting 18-shot really in the process – before a raucous final game of the opener. Serving to stay in it, the Italian was forced out of his comfort zone, unable to react to Alcaraz's dazzling variety. A slip at the back of the court from the world No 1 presented a set point chance, which Alcaraz took in remarkable fashion. Sinner was sent out wide and ripped forehand down the line for what, against anyone else on tour, would have been a clean winner. But Alcaraz, incomprehensibly, stretched and scooped a backhand back into the open court, with Sinner nowhere to be seen. In a fashion he has now trademarked, Alcaraz raised his finger to his ear, forever a showman. Centre Court wasn't mute anymore. The touchpaper had been lit. Yet for his brilliance, Alcaraz has a tendency to fluctuate sporadically. The Spaniard was playing catch-up at the start of the second, throwing in a shocker of an opening game, but was evidently making Sinner – usually a cool-headed, methodical monster of a player – double guess his every move. In fact, it's highly unusual for the Italian to show emotion, but he did so within an hour here. Hands-on-hips after a routine backhand pass went wide, he then shouted 'let's go!', in English no less, after saving a break point. He repeated the war cry, after a brief pause for a champagne cork shooting onto court, when holding serve a few games later. The set then swiftly moved to 5-4, Sinner serving to level the match, when the Italian produced his own range of fireworks. By this point, the exchanges were of an extraordinary nature, and the world No 1 produced four sensational winners to seal the set: a backhand crosscourt winner, repeating the trick a point later, crisply finding the line with a forehand winner before sealing it with a stunning forehand cross-court angle, on-the-run again. Sinner simply stopped, fist raised, in an intense fixation at his coach Darren Cahill in his player box. This was the Italian remaining all who surveyed that he was also capable of spellbinding artistry on this stage. The conclusions to the first two sets were a perfect snapshot of the stratospheric level required to win the biggest points between these two. As somewhat expected, it was turning into an instant classic. Best-of-three from here on in, both swatted away chances against their serve with stunning efficiency. Alcaraz saved two break points in his opening game, while Sinner wooed the arena with a tweener volley at the net. On the grandest stage in tennis, it was circus stuff. Yet much like the second, Sinner edged ahead. Finding his range peerlessly, Sinner carved out break point at 4-3 with a sweetly struck forehand. Alcaraz, having spent nearly five more hours on court this tournament than his opponent, suddenly looked a smidge weary and Sinner sealed the break as the Spaniard slipped out wide. The Italian held, comfortably, his constant depth overpowering the defending champion, and was a set away from victory. Alcaraz said to his team, in Spanish: 'He is playing much better than me.' Sinner was flying now, grasping control of the rallies, and crisply claimed an early break in the fourth with two razor-sharp backhands down the line. But could Alcaraz, like Paris last month, somehow claw back victory from the jaws of defeat? No sequel on that front. 'Finish him Jannik', one overzealous punter roared. Sinner saved two break points at 4-3 and soon, a mirror image scenario from Roland Garros was at play. A game from victory, Sinner could see the finish line ahead. With three hours on the clock, he was serving for the title at 5-4. In Paris, he was broken to love. But in London, on match point No 2, a final thunderous serve down the T sealed it. And Sinner, finally, could put to bed his Alcaraz curse.
