Earlier this week, Kate Middleton reportedly revealed that Prince George played tennis with Roger Federer—the young royal's favorite player—when he visited the Cambridges' home in Norfolk.
Federer soon confirmed the news of the match, noting that the prince is well on his way to becoming a tennis champion himself. "At that stage it’s all about touching the ball, it’s the same with my boys," he told the Daily Star.
Presumably in response to a reporter's question about being George's favorite player, Federer demurred. "I think I have a little advantage that I actually spent some time with him. So maybe I’m the only player he’s ever met," he explained. "Then you have a little head start into who is your favorite player." Fair enough—but even if the five-year-old royal isn't choosing on pure tennis skills, he's landed on a good role model.
Roger Federer also noted that George had a "good swing," adding, "He’s a cute boy. I love to see they’re into tennis or into sport."
He then referenced Kate Middleton's longstanding interest in the sport. "His mum has always enjoyed tennis," Federer said. "I hope he’ll stay the same in a few years’ time and this is not just an in-the-moment situation."
Royal watchers will have to wait and see if Prince George is into tennis for the long haul—but with a court at his country home, and a mom that loves the sport, it wouldn't be surprising if the prince developed a passion for playing.
Chloe is a News Writer for Townandcountrymag.com, where she covers royal news, from the latest additions to Meghan Markle’s staff to Queen Elizabeth’s monochrome fashions; she also writes about culture, often dissecting TV shows like The Marvelous Mrs Maisel and Killing Eve.
