Kate Middleton challenges Roger Federer at Wimbledon

He may have won 20 Grand Slam singles titles, but Roger Federer proved no match for the Princess of Wales when they met on a Wimbledon tennis court. Kate managed to blast past the Swiss star, prompting him to exclaim: ‘I think it was on the line. Astonishing!’ However, the princess also took the opportunity to sneak coaching advice from the former world No. 1. “Any tip about my storage would be very helpful,” she said. But Federer only replied with a compliment, saying, “The service looks good.”

The pair played a doubles match at No3 Court – where Federer won his first match 20 years ago on his way to his first Wimbledon title – to highlight the work of ball boys and girls at the tournament. In a video of their encounter released to YouTube last night, avid tennis player Kate said: ‘Wimbledon is known for its incredibly professional ball boys and girls. The amount of work it takes, it’s incredible to see it behind the scenes.’ She then said, “It’s so good to see you, Roger,” before walking to the track for their game.

After getting her shot past the 41-year-old who retired from the sport last year, Kate gives a celebratory pat on the back to her doubles partner Joel Eboewe, a coach with the Wimbledon Junior Tennis Initiative, which gives free lessons to local kids. During their visit earlier this month, the VIPs also joined the ball boys and girls in training for this year’s tournament, which kicks off one week tomorrow. But although he started his career in 1993 as a 12-year-old ball boy in Basel, it took Federer some time to get back into the groove.

With tennis balls bouncing at his feet, the star, who has an estimated fortune of £430 million ($550 million), is seen asking, “Do I have to be that to pick ’em up?” Kate also struggled with the rules. The Royal Ball Girl was told not to catch a ball until it had bounced off the back wall. Each year, approximately 1,000 children aged 11 to 13 from schools near Wimbledon participate in training sessions, with a quarter selected to compete in the tournament.

Kate told those who were put to the test this year, “With all the discipline and all that you’ve learned, you’re going to be able to use it in so many other areas of your life; things like confidence and that feeling of pride when you get on one of the tracks is such a big moment.” Kate and Federer were due to take part in a charity tennis day last year, but the princess backed out after the Queen’s funeral.

Federer has become a friend of the Royals and the Middletons and even attended Kate’s sister Pippa’s wedding to James Matthews in 2017. He’s also visited the Welsh at their Anmer Hall home in Norfolk – and has Prince George privately tennis lessons. Sarah Goldson, who manages the Wimbledon ball boys and girls, said: ‘We are proud of the young people who devote so much time and effort to their role which is integral to achieving successful championships.’ As the patron of the All England Club, Kate, 41, will present the trophies to this year’s Wimbledon winners. Read the full story:

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