Catherine, Princess of Wales, applauding Tunisian tennis star Ons Jabeur at The Championships. This follows a heartbreaking loss by Jabeur in the Wimbledon final. With that, Jabeur became the first Arab woman to reach a Grand Slam final. On July 15, 2023, she met Marketa Vondrousova in a match that was too tight to call, ending with her second straight runner-up result in the historic tournament.
The surprise encounter between Princess Kate and Jabeur After the match, Princess Kate offered the talented athlete some sincere consolation. Like Jabeur, the US Open winner settled down after an arduous first-round encounter, withdrawing only after subduing compatriot Viktoriya Tomova. Heat had bothered her in that game, leading to her retirement from the game.
Princess Kate, a huge tennis fan and former collegiate player, has been a trusted presence on the Wimbledon grounds in recent years. She was pictured smiling in the royal box next to her daughter Charlotte, relishing the different match-ups and cheering on her fellow athletes. Her royal parents, Carole and Michael Middleton, added to the buzz on day eight of the Championships. They witnessed all of the spectacular drama from the VIP royal box on Centre Court.
Jabeur said she was “thankful” for Princess Kate’s warmth when they met.
“She was really the nicest. She has watched me twice, losing the final twice.” – Ons Jabeur
In an endearing story, Jabeur revealed that Princess Kate kept asking her if she could give her a hug. The tennis star remarked, “Who doesn’t want a hug from a Princess, you know? For me, it was such an amazing moment. And not just that, I felt her kindness and energy around me.”
As Jabeur continues her journey in professional tennis, she has captured the hearts of many fans, including those in royal circles. The Princess’s support highlights the growing recognition of Jabeur’s achievements and her resilience as an athlete.
Princess Kate has been slowly easing back into public life. Earlier this year, she announced that she has gone into remission from a personal health condition, successfully emerging from the struggle she endured. Her appearances at Wimbledon as an athlete and a role model are testaments to her commitment to uplifting fellow athletes and inspiring the community.
Princess Kate is expected to attend additional events at the Championships in the days ahead. That will surely enhance her standing as a passionate tennis fan.