‘Not this time’: Star’s message to Royals as prediction falls flat

Unfortunately it was none out of two for the Royal Family in the tennis stakes.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge made some bold predictions for Wimbledon — with tongue slightly in cheek — when they predicted Andy Murray and 18-year-old Emma Raducanu would win the men’s and women’s singles titles at the All England Club.

Sadly for Kate and William, Murray lost to Denis Shapovalov in the third round and Raducanu suffered a scary exit when she retired from her round of 16 clash against Australian star Ajla Tomljanovic because of medical concerns.

A storm erupted over the talented teenager, with some high-profile names telling her to “toughen up” and suggesting the enormity of the occasion — playing in the main draw of a grand slam for the first time — overwhelmed her.

But plenty of others rushed to her defence and on Wednesday, after telling the tennis world she was feeling fine after her medical retirement, Raducanu took the time to thank her supporters on social media.

One message from the weekend from the official account of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge stood out, and Raducanu responded by thanking the Royals for their support.

Ah not quite this time?‍♀️ but thank you so much for the encouragement! https://t.co/tedfZbYj8e

Raducanu also replied to celebrities who had backed her after an incredible run ended in sad fashion. Responding to English football great Gary Lineker, she wrote: “Thank you very much for your wishes and messages. Can’t wait to get started from here.”

Footballer Marcus Rashford said he experienced something similar to Raducanu when playing for the England Under-16 team, and told her the entire country was “proud of her”.

“Thanks so much for the kind words, this message means a lot to me. I’ll keep building and be back stronger!” Raducanu said in response.

She also said she was “so grateful for the support” when musician Liam Gallagher encouraged people to get behind her.

There are no Brits left in the men’s or women’s singles draw, so the Royal Family will have to wait until 2022 for their next “unbiased prediction” to come good.

Emma Raducanu has been this year’s breakout star at WimbledonSource:Getty Images

Kate witnesses gross act at Wimbledon

Kate is a patron of the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club and made an appearance on the hallowed grounds over the weekend. However, she witnessed an unpleasant sight on Centre Court when Ons Jabeur threw up right underneath the Royal Box during a tense third round clash against Garbine Muguruza.

Kate was her usual trendy self, sporting a polka dot skirt, white top and navy blazer as she enjoyed the action, wearing a floral mask when required. She spent time in the Royal Box and also sat next to British tennis legend Tim Henman as they watched Jamie Murray — Andy’s brother — play doubles on Court 14.

However, it was revealed on Tuesday Kate had put herself into isolation after coming into contact with a person who had tested positive to Covid-19. She was alerted shortly after attending Wimbledon, but is reportedly not experiencing any symptoms.

Kate enjoyed herself at Wimbledon.Source:Getty Images

Country falls for teen sensation

Meanwhile, everyone in Britain fell in love with Raducanu during her remarkable run in London.

She played her first match on the main WTA Tour just four weeks ago and went into Wimbledon as the lowest-ranked British player, earning a last-minute wildcard entry into the main draw of a grand slam for the first time.

But incredibly, she entered the tournament’s second week as the only remaining Brit. After defeating Czech star Marketa Vondrousova 6-2 6-4 on Friday, Raducanu became the youngest British woman to reach the third round of Wimbledon since Elena Baltacha achieved the feat in 2002.

But the best was yet to come, with the teen toppling Romania’s Sorana Cirstea in straight sets to become the youngest British woman to reach the last 16 since Christine Truman in 1959.

Raducanu was No. 338 on the WTA rankings ahead of her maiden major tournament, but has shot up into the top 200.

Before Wimbledon, she had never faced a top 100 opponent.

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