He may have won 20 Grand Slam titles – but Roger Federer proved no match for the Princess of Wales as they met on a Wimbledon tennis court.
Kate managed to pass the Swiss star who exclaimed, ‘I think it was at stake.’ Great!’
However, the princess also took the opportunity to get some sneaky coaching tips from the former world No. 1.
“Any tip on my serve would be very helpful at the same time,” she said. But Federer only replied with a compliment: “The serve looks good.”
The pair played a doubles game on the No 3 court – where Federer won his first match en route to his maiden Wimbledon title 20 years ago – to highlight the work of the ball boys and girls at the tournament.
He may have won 20 Grand Slam titles – but Roger Federer (right) proved no match for the Princess of Wales (left) as they met on a Wimbledon tennis court
The princess also took the opportunity to get some sneaky coaching tips from the former world No. 1
In a video of their encounter posted on YouTube last night, avid tennis player Kate said: “Wimbledon is known for its incredibly professional ball boys and girls.”
“It’s incredible how much work that witnesses behind the scenes.” She then said, “It’s so nice to see you Roger,” before walking onto the pitch for the game.
After overcoming her blow at the 41-year-old, who retired from the sport last year, Kate gives her doubles partner Joel Eboewe, a coach at the Wimbledon Junior Tennis Initiative, a solemn pat on the back on the shoulder, which gives free lessons to local children.
During their visit earlier this month, the VIPs also watched the ball boys and girls train for this year’s tournament, which starts a week from tomorrow.
But although he started his career in 1993 as a 12-year-old ball boy in Basel, it took a while for Federer to regain momentum.
As tennis balls bounce in front of his feet, the star – who has an estimated fortune of £430million – asks: “Do you want me to pick them up?”
In a video of their encounter posted to YouTube last night, avid tennis player Kate said: “Wimbledon is known for its incredibly professional ball boys and girls.”
During their visit earlier this month, the VIPs also watched the ball boys and girls train for this year’s tournament, which starts a week from tomorrow
Pictured: Princess of Wales and Roger Federer on a visit to the All England Lawn Tennis Club in Wimbledon for a behind-the-scenes look at the work of the ball boys and girls who play a key role in the tennis tournament
Kate also struggled with the rules. The royal ball girl was told that she was not allowed to catch a ball until it bounced off the back wall.
Each year around 1,000 children aged 11-13 from schools near Wimbledon take part in training sessions, of which a quarter are selected to take part in the tournament.
Kate told those who will be put through their paces this year: ‘With all the discipline and everything you’ve learned, you’re going to be able to apply it to so many other areas of your life; Things like confidence and feeling proud to be on one of the pitches is such a big moment.”
Kate and Federer were supposed to attend a tennis charity day last year, but the princess pulled out after the queen’s funeral.
Federer has become a friend of the Royals and Middletons and even attended the wedding of Kate’s sister Pippa and James Matthews in 2017.
He has also visited the Waleses at their home in Anmer Hall in Norfolk – and given Prince George a private tennis lesson.
Sarah Goldson, who coaches Wimbledon’s ball boys and girls, said: “We are proud of the young people who put so much time and effort into their role, which plays an integral part in staging successful championships.”
As patron of the All England Club, Kate, 41, will present the trophies to this year’s Wimbledon winners