Jannik Sinner has revealed he had a private conversation with Prince George and Princess Charlotte following his Wimbledon victory yesterday.
The Italian defended his men’s singles title at the All England Lawn Tennis Club on Sunday, following a commanding four-set triumph against Alexander Zverev on Centre Court.
The world No1 subsequently enjoyed a meeting with the Prince and Princess of Wales, accompanied by their children George, 12, and Charlotte, 11.
Catherine, who serves as patron of the All England Lawn Tennis Club, had moments earlier presented Sinner with the coveted winner’s trophy in the traditional post-match ceremony – just as she had last year, following his triumph over Spaniard Carlos Alcaraz.
Following a brief interview on court, the newly crowned champion made his way to the clubhouse for a conversation with the Wales family.
In footage released online, Sinner can be heard asking George whether he played every day.
“Not every day, but weekends,” the young royal replied, providing a rare glimpse for the public who do not often hear his voice.
The five-time Grand Slam champion then asked Charlotte if she practises, who enthusiastically replied: “Yeah.”
Jannik Sinner revealed his private conversation with Prince George and Princess Charlotte following his Wimbledon victory yesterday
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Speaking at his post-match press conference, Sinner expressed profound admiration for the Royal Family’s dedication to the sport.
“I have so much respect,” the Italian stated. “You can really see that they love this sport. This is exactly how we feel as players when we see them.”
He was particularly struck by their commitment to watching the entire match despite challenging conditions.
“They’re staying there for four hours under the sun with the heat, it’s really nice,” Sinner observed.
The Princess of Wales presented the coveted trophy to Jannik Sinner, offering her congratulations to the Italian | GETTY
The champion also revealed a charming exchange with the young royals: “I asked the kids if they still play. They’re very happy. Yes, they do.”
Sinner acknowledged that their brief exchange meant a great deal to him, noting: “We had a very, very small conversation, but I love it that they also take time to talk with me.”
The Italian reflected on similar encounters from the previous year, admitting he initially found royal interactions somewhat daunting.
“In the beginning, I didn’t know what to say,” he confessed. “It’s difficult to understand, you know, how you can talk. I always try to talk very natural.”
He added: “It was amazing. I believe for us tennis players, it’s so nice to have them watching us because it makes it even more special. It’s very prestigious.”
William and Catherine opted against treating young Prince Louis to an afternoon in south London yesterday; the eight-year-old is yet to make his long-awaited Wimbledon debut.
But the rest of the family could be seen basking in the blazing hot Wimbledon sun as they watched yet another enthralling final at SW19.
George felt the full force of London’s sweltering 29C temperatures, reaching for a white handheld fan to cool himself | GETTY
George felt the full force of London’s sweltering 29C temperatures, reaching for a white handheld fan to cool himself, while Catherine, as she did during the Ladies’ Singles Final on Saturday, opted for a wide-brimmed hat to shield her.
Catherine’s association with Wimbledon stretches back to 2011, with the princess missing only two championships since: during her pregnancy with Prince George in 2013 and when the pandemic forced the tournament’s cancellation in 2020.
She has served as royal patron of the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club since 2016.