How Andre Agassi reacted to meeting Kate Middleton at the 2012 Wimbledon Championships

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Andre Agassi is one of the most recognisable figures in tennis having won eight Grand Slam titles during his storied career.

The American, who is one of five male players to complete the career Grand Slam in the Open Era, remains one of the most enigmatic figures in sports – a fountain of tennis knowledge who is always well received by fans when he appears on the television for punditry duties.

In 2012, the American returned to Wimbledon, a tournament he won in 1992 – defeating fellow American great Pete Sampras in the final.

During his visit, Agassi was fortunate enough to meet the Princess of Wales, Kate Middleton, and he reflected on their encounter during an interview in 2018.

Andre Agassi’s reaction to meeting Kate Middleton

“She was a complete doll,” Agassi told Hello! Magazine in 2018 after meeting Kate in the Royal Box during the 2012 Wimbledon semi-finals.

“I really thought she was incredibly pleasant. She was lovely. We didn’t chat a whole lot but she was lovely.

“I will not say anything else, because I don’t know what offends people here or not!”

The Princess of Wales, who became a member of the Royal Family in 2011 following her marriage to Prince William, was named the patron of the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club in 2016 by the late Queen Elizabeth. 

With the title, Kate has the privilege of presenting trophies to the Wimbledon champions. This year she handed the trophies to Jannik Sinner and Iga Swiatek, who won the men’s and women’s singles titles.

Jannik Sinner’s reaction to meeting Kate Middleton

After defeating Carlos Alcaraz in the Wimbledon Men’s Singles final, Jannik Sinner had the opportunity to meet the Princess of Wales and her family.

“In the beginning, I didn’t know what to say,” Sinner said during his post-match press conference.

“It’s difficult to understand, you know, how you can talk. I always try to talk very natural.

“I asked the kids if they play tennis and asked them what kind of rackets they play with, these kind of things. 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.

“You see how much they care about tennis and the sport itself. It’s very prestigious. I’ve been lucky to meet [the Princess of Wales] and the whole family, and it was a very nice moment.”