Kate Middleton on Novak Djokovic’s ‘hard year’ as he was separated from family
Djokovic ‘cleared out of the way’ for Nadal says Webster
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Djokovic, 34, was noticeably absent from this year’s Australian Open after he was deported from Australia. The world No 1 did not get to defend his Grand Slam title as his visa was cancelled twice by the Government. The Serb, who is unvaccinated against COVID-19, had cited a medical exemption he believed would allow him to compete at Melbourne Park. However, the 20-time Grand Slam-winner was ultimately forced to leave the country after his travel form contained incorrect information.
Djokovic’s absence from the first Slam of the year paved the way for his rival Rafael Nadal to make it to the final of the Australian Open, where he is hoping to win a record 21st Slam.
The Spanish sixth seed is taking on the second-seeded Russian Daniil Medvedev in the final today.
After Djokovic’s Australian Open victory last year, he went on to win the French Open and Wimbledon.
His victory on Centre Court saw him draw level on 20 slams with Nadal and Roger Federer.
Djokovic also got the chance to speak with the Duchess of Cambridge, who commented on his “hard year”.
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The royal caught the tennis star for an impromptu chat as he strolled through the All England Club clutching his trophy.
Kate congratulated him and then said: “It was especially hard this year because you haven’t had family here, limited team and the bubbles.”
He replied: “Yes, you try to make the most of it but I think we are all grateful here today to be able to play and to be able play the biggest tournament in the world.”
The Duchess of Cambridge is Patron of the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club.
She was pictured with Djokovic alongside the Duke of Kent, who retired as president of the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club last year.
Djokovic also quizzed Kate, who regularly sits in the Wimbledon Royal Box with her husband Prince William, about her own love of the sport.
He asked: “How is your tennis?”
Kate replied: “Every time we put a tennis kit on, the kids are there wanting to join in which is really great.”
Djokovic added: “That’s beautiful. All the best to your family. Thank you so much for being present today.”
Kate has shared her love of tennis with her and William’s children, including Prince George.
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During a visit to the Lawn Tennis Association in 2017, Kate spoke to LTA coach Sam Richardson for advice about her children’s game.
He said: “She says with George just being four he wants to whack a ball, so she was asking what sort of stuff she should be doing.
“They will struggle at that age to hit a ball. She said he’s interested in it, but more in whacking the ball.”
In September the Duchess also played tennis with England’s rising star Emma Raducanu, after she won the US Open last year.
The two women were also joined on court by players, Joe Salisbury, Alfie Hewett and Gordon Reid.
The Australian Open final is being shown live in the UK on Eurosport 1.
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