The Princess of Wales gave out the trophies after the Wimbledon men’s final last year between Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic in one of her first public engagements since her cancer diagnosis
Novak Djokovic was delighted to see the Princess of Wales looking so well(Image: HENRY NICHOLLS/AFP via Getty Images)
Novak Djokovic sent a heartfelt message of support to Kate Middleton after meeting the Princess of Wales at Wimbledon. Having lost to Carlos Alcaraz in the men’s final for the second year in succession in July 2024, Djokovic was presented with the runner-up trophy by the princess, who is a patron of the All England Club.
It was just her second public engagement since announcing her cancer diagnosis in March that year. Kate, who was undergoing chemotherapy at the time, had attended the Trooping the Colour ceremony in London the previous month.
After losing in straight sets to Alcaraz, Djokovic was buoyed to see Her Royal Highness looking so well. He also spoke of his respect for the Royal Family and their support of tennis.
“Yes, it was of course a privilege to be in her presence again,” said Djokovic when asked what he had said to Kate. “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, who was making one of her first public appearances since her cancer diagnosis(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.”
Djokovic will have been delighted to hear in January that Kate was in remission from cancer. Since then, she has been making a gradual return to public duties. Kate recently missed Royal Ascot for the second successive year as she sought the right balance following her treatment.
Her appearances have increased in recent weeks. She has attended three high-profile events, including Trooping the Colour, the annual Order of the Garter service and a visit to a V&A storage facility in London.
Meanwhile, Djokovic remains in the hunt for his eighth Wimbledon title and 25th Grand Slam crown after seeing off Briton Dan Evans in straight sets in the second round. Despite being 38, the Serbian icon isn’t thinking about joining former ‘big three’ rivals Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal in retirement.
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 on 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, 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 way.”