Novak Djokovic says it was a ‘privilege’ to see the Princess of Wales present the trophies at Wimbledon on Sunday while she continues preventative treatment for cancer. Princess Kate made just her second public appearance since announcing her health battle in March.
Djokovic lost the men’s singles final against Carlos Alcaraz for the second consecutive year. He was beaten in straight sets by the Spaniard, 6-2 6-2 7-6.
Princess Kate, who had not been present for the women’s singles final on Saturday, handed out the trophies for the winner and runner-up. Djokovic, who posed with Princess Kate and her daughter Princess Charlotte afterwards, is happy that the royal is displaying good health.
“Yes, it was of course a privilege to be in her presence again,” Djokovic responded when asked what he had said to Princess 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 have played tennis for a very long time. 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.”
Sunday was Princess Kate’s first public appearance since June’s Trooping The Colour. She announced in March that she was undergoing preventative treatment for cancer, having not been seen in public for some time.
Meanwhile, Djokovic reached the Wimbledon final despite undergoing surgery on a knee injury in the aftermath of his French Open exit in May. his remarkable recovery was even more admirable given his performances at the All England Club.
Asked if his surgery had an impact on his tournament, the World No 2 responded: “I mean, it could be really. Of course, my preparation for Wimbledon wasn’t as I would have it normally, usually or commonly to prepare myself. There was hindrance obviously because of the injury.”
However, Djokovic believes he was simply outplayed by Alcaraz on Sunday and cannot blame his surgery. “Yeah, that (surgery) probably had an effect, particularly in the opening rounds.
“But as the tournament progressed, I felt better and better. I reached the finals. Some matches I played some really good tennis. Some matches I kind of battled my way through. But yeah, today I saw that I was just, as I said, half a step behind him in every sense. That’s the reality that I have to accept at the moment. Hopefully things can be different next time I play him.
