Princess Kate's classy gesture and message to Wimbledon star who asked for hug
Ons Jabeur was almost inconsolable after losing the Wimbledon final in 2023 but Kate Middleton provided a much needed shoulder on Centre Court as she was tasked with handing out the winner's and the runner-up trophies.
Jabeur came out second best in two consecutive Wimbledon finals as she was beaten by Elena Rybakina in 2022 and then Marketa Vondrousova a year later. Sandwiched in between that was a US Open final loss and the near misses were beginning to stack up.
The Tunisian cut an emotional figure but one of the country's most loved women was on hand. The 28-year-old was consoled by the Princess of Wales after she presented her with the runners-up prize for the second straight year as the pair shared a long chat.
Jabeur later admitted that the Princess wasn't sure whether she should go in for the hug but she was more than happy to have an embrace as Kate told her to return and go that one step further.
The Tunisian said: "Obviously she was very nice. She didn't know if she wants to give me a hug or not. I told her hugs are always welcome from me."
When asked what was said in their conversation Jabeur added: "Same thing after last year. To encourage me to be strong, to come back and win a Grand Slam, win a Wimbledon."
On the loss she added: "This is very tough. It's the most painful loss of my career. It's painful because you feel so close to achieving something that you want, and actually back to square one. I felt a lot of pressure, a lot of stress. But, like every final, like every match, I was telling myself, 'It's OK, it's normal'.
"I honestly did nothing wrong. I did everything that I could. I think things take time with me. It wasn't meant to be this time. Definitely this match, last year's match, the final of the US Open, will teach me how to win these finals.
"I will definitely keep learning, keep being positive. I think that's the thing that will keep me going. Otherwise, if I'm going to be depressed about it, it's not going to help much."
Kate Middleton has endured her health problems after being diagnosed with career, later undergoing chemotherapy, but the love of the nation was clear when she made only her second public appearance of the year at Wimbledon last year, where she was greeted by a standing ovation. There is no suggestion she won't attend Wimbledon this year despite skipping Royal Ascot.
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