A tennis star has lifted the lid on Princess Kate and her “amazing support” at last year’s Wimbledon.
Ons Jabeur is set to make a triumphant return to Wimbledon this week, in her mission to become the first African and the first Arab to win a Grand Slam title.
Last year, the professional Tunisian tennis player captured the world’s hearts, including the Princess of Wales, when she delivered a humble speech following her loss at the women’s finals at Wimbledon.
The defeat to Marketa Vondrousova was, in Jabeur’s words, the “most painful loss of my career”.
Ons Jabeur and Kate photographed at Wimbledon in 2023
Getty
Speaking about Princess Kate, Jabeur said: “She was really the nicest. She has watched me twice, losing the final twice.
“She kept asking me if she could hug me, and I was like, ‘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.”
Jabeur also opened up about the royal’s cancer diagnosis, which Kate disclosed in March earlier this year.
Ons Jabeur was comforted by Princess Kate
PA
The tennis star continued: “I really wish her a speedy recovery. I know she’s going through a tough time.
“She’s been there when I was struggling, and I hope I can really send my energy there for her.
“She’s such a nice person, and I wish her all the best.”
Jabeur continued to praise Kate’s support to Hello, adding: “Honestly, it’s an honour. I always try to behave in the nicest way on the court.
Kate asked Ons Jabeur for a hug following her defeat at Wimbledon
PA
Ons Jabeur has sent her good wishes to Princess Kate
PA
“Sometimes you know, tennis players, we can go crazy. But having her support, I think gives me extra motivation to really play good.
“Honestly one of the reasons I wanted to win last year was because she was there and she was really supporting me.”
Kate has stepped back from royal duties for the time being amid the royal’s chemotherapy treatment.
Therefore, her annual appearance at Wimbledon continues to hang in the balance.
