Novak Djokovic speaks to the Princess of Wales after receiving his runner-up trophy at Wimbledon 2024
Novak Djokovic expressed his heartfelt support for Kate Middleton at Wimbledon, where the Princess of Wales presented him with the runner-up trophy during her cancer battle. The Serbian tennis legend, who was defeated by Carlos Alcaraz in the men’s final for the second consecutive year in July 2024, was uplifted to see the princess looking well during what was only her second public appearance since her diagnosis announcement the previous March.
Djokovic, after his straight-sets loss to Alcaraz, also spoke highly of the Royal Family’s backing of tennis and their presence at the Championships. He said: “Yes, 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.”
Acknowledging the Royal Family’s long-standing support for the sport, he added: “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.
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“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 cautiously resuming her public engagements.
Despite missing Royal Ascot for the second year running, Kate is finding her stride post-treatment, with her public presence growing in recent weeks. Her return to the spotlight has seen her at several high-profile events, including Trooping the Colour, the annual Order of the Garter service and visiting a VandA storage facility in London.
Meanwhile, Djokovic continues his quest for an eighth Wimbledon title and 25th Grand Slam trophy, having dispatched Britain’s Dan Evans in straight sets in the second round. At 38, Djokovic shows no signs of slowing down, albeit drawing closer to joining his ‘Big Three’ rivals Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal in retirement.
“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, 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.”
