Kate Middleton Played With Tennis Champion Emma Raducanu

(Image credit: Chris Jackson/Getty Images)

published 24 September 2021

Kate Middleton is a big fan of tennis champion Emma Raducanu, and she finally got to not only meet her—but play with and against her too.

The duchess donned a tennis jacket and skirt and headed to the National Tennis Centre in London for the Lawn Tennis Association homecoming event, per the Daily Mail. The event celebrated the—well—homecoming of British US Open champions. Emma Raducanu—who made history when she won the US Open women's singles and was the first British woman to win a Grand Slam singles title since 1977 (via the Mirror)—was joined by fellow players Joe Salisbury, Gordon Reid and Alfie Hewett.

Kate Middleton and fellow players Joe Salisbury, Gordon Reid and Alfie Hewett on tennis court

The royal got to play a doubles game alongside Raducanu, as well as playing against her. The Mirror reports things were "getting competitive" on the court. Although I'm sure Middleton is a more-than-proficient tennis player, I also hope she's not a sore loser, given the caliber of her opponent.

Middleton also sat down for a chat with the athletes, and made obligatory COVID small talk. "Are we shaking hands? I don't want to break your training bubbles," she said. "It's really awkward, you don't know quite whether to do it. It's the same with face masks. You never know whether to hug people, congratulate them or shake hands. But amazing, guys honestly, congratulations."

When Raducanu stunned the world with her US Open win, Middleton tweeted, "Huge congratulations @EmmaRaducanu on your stunning performances and historic Grand Slam victory! Incredible –we are all so proud of you. @LeylahFernandez well done on your amazing achievements at this year’s #USOpen, it’s been a pleasure to watch. C"

Huge congratulations @EmmaRaducanu on your stunning performances and historic Grand Slam victory! Incredible –we are all so proud of you. @LeylahFernandez well done on your amazing achievements at this year’s #USOpen, it’s been a pleasure to watch. CSeptember 11, 2021

Iris Goldsztajn is a London-based journalist, editor and author. She is the morning editor at Marie Claire, and her work has appeared in the likes of British Vogue, InStyle, Cosmopolitan, Refinery29 and SELF. Iris writes about everything from celebrity news and relationship advice to the pitfalls of diet culture and the joys of exercise. She has many opinions on Harry Styles, and can typically be found eating her body weight in cheap chocolate.