Princess Kate backs British hopefuls at Wimbledon

LONDON: Britain’s Princess of Wales, Kate, showed her support for home players during a visit to Wimbledon on Thursday, cheering on British hopefuls and meeting fans, tournament staff and former players.

The princess watched British wildcard Arthur Fery take on Finland’s Otto Virtanen on Court 18, where Fery came from a set down to claim a 5-7, 7-6(3), 6-3, 6-3 victory and advance to the third round.

After the match, Fery said he did not realise the Princess of Wales was watching from the stands.

“I didn’t know she was here. I probably would have been a bit more nervous if I did,” he said, adding that the support from home fans made competing at Wimbledon even more special.

Kate later joined two-time Wimbledon champion Andy Murray on Court One to watch British wildcard Katie Swan face 26th seed Madison Keys of the United States.

Despite the royal support, Swan was unable to overcome the reigning Australian Open champion, losing 6-1, 6-4.

“I wish I could have had a better result with her supporting me, but it’s amazing to know that she was there,” Swan said.

Earlier, the Princess of Wales, who is patron of the All England Club, met spectators who had queued since early morning to enter the grounds and spoke with ticket office staff.

She had departed before British wildcard Jacob Fearnley was beaten in straight sets by Spain’s Jaume Munar.

Meanwhile, Britain’s Jan Choinski continued his second-round campaign against 17th seed Frances Tiafoe, hoping to join Fery in the third round.