TEAMING UP WITH ROGER FEDERER QUEEN OF THE CENTRE COURT KATE HAS A SMASHING TIME IN SW19 WITH THE TENNIS ACE AHEAD OF THE TOURNAMENT

Dressed in tennis whites and with her eyes focused firmly on her opponent, the Princess of Wales teamed up with tennis ace Roger Federer to celebrate the work of ball boys and girls ahead of the Wimbledon Championships this week

- LILY WADDELL

Inspired by her lifelong love of tennis, having watched the tournament since she was a child, Kate, 41, went head to head with the Swiss star and smoothly hit the ball past the eight-time Wimbledon champion.

“I think it was on the line,” said a clearly impressed Roger, also 41.

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As well as showing off her on-court prowess, the Princess learnt a few new tennis skills as she was shown by a ball girl how best to throw the ball to players.

“Any tips on my serve at the same time would be very helpful,” she said, to which Roger responded: “The serve looks good.”

The pair watched a group of youngsters taking part in training sessions, hoping to be among the 250 ball boys and girls chosen for this year’s tournament.

Afterwards, Kate said: “Wimbledon is renowned for its amazingly professional ball boys and ball girls. The amount of work it takes – it’s incredible to see it behind the scenes. With all the discipline and everything you’ve learnt, you’ll be able to take it into so many other parts of your life – things like confidence. Having that feeling of pride in being on any of the courts is such a big moment.”