The princess of Wales has penned a personal message to British tennis player Andy Murray on his final departure from Wimbledon, saying he should be very proud.
Kate Middleton is the patron of the All England Lawn Tennis Club, the tournament’s host, since 2016, and has in previous years presented the big trophies at Wimbledon. She has not been seen at the tournament this year, while she continues her cancer treatment in private, but has sent a message to Murray, who bowed out for the final time this week.
Murray had to withdraw from the singles event earlier this week due to injury, but announced he would be taking part in the mixed doubles with former US champion, British player Emma Radacanu. But yesterday Radacanu announced she wouldn’t be able to play in the mixed event, preferring to concentrate on her singles campaign, which meant Murray played his last competitive match on Centre Court Thursday evening, when he lost in the men’s doubles event alongside his brother Jamie.
She wrote: “Unfortunately I woke up with some stiffness in my right wrist this morning, so therefore I have decided to make the very tough decision to withdraw from the mixed doubles tonight.
“I’m disappointed as I was really looking forward to playing with Andy but got to take care.”
Murray broke a 80-year hiatus for British victory at Wimbledon when he won his first title there in 2013. He went on to claim it again in 2016.
After he and his brother were beaten by Australian pair Rinky Hiikata and John Peers Thursday evening, Murray was serenaded by past champions on Centre Court, including John McEnroe, Novak Djokovic and Martina Navratilova.
