Andy Murray praises Kate Middleton role at Wimbledon tournament

Retired professional tennis player Andy Murray praised the Princess of Wales on Saturday, labelling her presence in the audience a central component of the Wimbledon identity. The 39-year-old British sporting star highlighted the significance of the royal family attending the London-based event to maintain tournament traditions. The remarks coincided with the royal appearance at the women's singles final, where she presented the championship trophy at Centre Court.

Hello Magazine reported that Murray believes seeing the royal family at the championship means a great deal to both competing athletes and tennis fans. The Olympic medallist noted that the tradition appeals strongly to the public, especially international spectators visiting the tournament. Murray suggested that the passion the Princess of Wales exhibits for the tournament stems from her personal participation in racket sports. The 44-year-old royal serves as the official patron of the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, the host venue where the annual grass-court grand slam takes place.

The former athlete recalled watching British competitor Katie Swan play American athlete Madison Keys alongside the royal during the second round of the tournament earlier this month. The Princess of Wales attended the ladies' singles final on Saturday, sitting in the front row of the exclusive 74-seat Royal Box accompanied by her mother, Carole Middleton. Wearing a red, belted Roland Mouret dress, she later walked onto the court to present the Venus Rosewater Dish to 21-year-old Czech player Linda Noskova, who defeated Karolina Muchova in three sets to claim her first-ever Wimbledon title.

The royal couple maintain private tennis courts at their Windsor base, Forest Lodge, and their Norfolk country home, Anmer Hall. The Princess of Wales routinely plays the sport and has previously defeated her husband, Prince William, during private matches. Australian tennis star Rod Laver previously recounted a conversation from the Royal Box, revealing that Prince William admitted he was unable to beat his wife on the court.