Novak Djokovic’s message to Kate Middleton at Wimbledon showed his true colours
see the Princess of Wales looking so well (Image: Karwai Tang/WireImage)
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Kate Middleton was sent a heartwarming message by Novak Djokovic after handing the tennis icon the Wimbledon runner-up trophy.
After losing to Carlos Alcaraz in the men’s final for a second straight year in July 2024, Djokovic and the Princess of Wales, a patron of the All England Club, had a friendly chat. It was only Kate’s second public appearance since revealing her cancer diagnosis in March of the same year.
Kate, who was undergoing chemotherapy, had previously been present at the Trooping the Colour ceremony in London a month earlier. Djokovic, despite his straight-sets loss to Alcaraz, was uplifted by the sight of Her Royal Highness in apparent good health. He also expressed his admiration for the Royal Family and their enduring support for tennis.
When asked about his interaction with Kate, Djokovic responded: “It was, of course, a privilege to be in her presence again. I’ve said to her that it is very nice to see her in good health. She seems to be in good health.
”That’s obviously very positive news for everyone in this country but also for Wimbledon, for Championships to have Her Royal Highness here, of course with her family members. It’s amazing.
”It’s incredible support they’ve been giving over the years to this tournament. I know that she and her sister [Pippa] have played tennis for a very long time.
Carlos Alcaraz after being handed the Wimbledon trophy by the Princess of Wales
Carlos Alcaraz after being handed the Wimbledon trophy by the Princess of Wales, who was making one of her first public appearance since her cancer diagnosis was announced (Image: PA Wire)
”So they truly respect, admire the game. They also understand tennis, which is great. It’s wonderful to have that kind of support from the Royal Family.”
In January this year, Djokovic would have been heartened to learn that Kate was in remission from cancer. Since the good news, she has been cautiously resuming her public engagements.
Kate’s presence at official events has increased lately. She has graced several high-profile occasions with her attendance, including Trooping the Colour, the Order of the Garter service, while also paying a visit to a V&A storage site in London.
On the tennis front, Djokovic is vigorously pursuing his eighth Wimbledon title and a milestone 25th Grand Slam, having dispatched Britain’s Dan Evans in straight sets in the second round. At 38, the Serbian legend shows no signs of slowing down, unlike his erstwhile ‘big three’ counterparts Roger Federer, 43, and Rafael Nadal, 39, who are now in retirement.
Serbia’s Novak Djokovic reacts as he plays against Britain’s Daniel Evans
Djokovic is into the third round at this year’s Wimbledon (Image: ADRIAN DENNIS/AFP via Getty Images)
”I don’t pause to reflect, to be honest. I don’t have time,” said Djokovic, who faces fellow Serb Miomir Kecmanovic in the third round on Saturday.
”I would like to. But I think that’s going to come probably when I set the racket aside and then sip margaritas on the beach with Federer and Nadal and just reflect on our rivalry and everything.
”If I play like today [against Evans], I feel like I have a very good chance against anybody, really, on the Centre Court of Wimbledon, a place where I maybe feel the most comfortable on any court.
”I felt great physically, mentally sharp. Game-wise, I’m playing as well as I can, really, on grass. So hopefully I can keep it up. My aspirations and objectives are very high – to go all the
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