Prince George has ‘good’ tennis technique, says Roger Federer

Royal connections have helped budding tennis player Prince George receive some coaching from one of the most talented men to swing a racket.

The five-year-old was recently able to hone his technique as he hit some balls with Roger Federer, the Swiss legend confirmed on Thursday.

Federer revealed he had visited the home of the Duchess of Cambridge’s parents in Bucklebury, Berkshire, to meet the young prince.

Speaking after his second round victory over Britain’s Jay Clarke at Wimbledon, Federer said that “cute” George had a “good” tennis technique.

During her surprise visit to SW19 on Tuesday, the Duchess of Cambridge revealed her son had faced Federer, one of the greats of the sport.

“That’s very big,” said a smiling Federer when asked about his royal fan.

When questioned by reporters about his knockabout with George, he said: “At that stage it’s all about just touch the ball, it’s already good.

“Same with my boys. I think I have a little advantage that I actually spent some time, you know, with him.”

Federer added: “I’m the only player he’s ever met. Then you have a little head start in who is your favourite player.”

The tennis superstar, who attended Kate’s sister Pippa Middleton’s wedding in 2017, described the prince as a “cute boy”.

He added: “I love to see that they’re into tennis or into sports … his mum has always enjoyed their tennis … I hope that he’ll still say the same in a few years’ time.”

While sitting on an outside court with sportswoman Katie Boulter and former tennis player Anne Keothavong, Kate talked about her son’s interest in the sport, according to the show Wimbledon Coffee Morning.

It is broadcast on the tournament’s social media and Keothavong, who retired from tennis some years ago, was quizzed about her time spent with Kate by reporter Adam Hunt.

He told the show: “Anne was just saying, ‘What a special day’ – and (Kate) is such a good ambassador for tennis.

“She comes to Wimbledon every year, she really likes tennis, she was talking about George, apparently.

“George’s favourite tennis player is Roger Federer, and he’s actually got to play with him.

“The whole family loves tennis, and George is apparently quite a good player.”

Kate, who is a passionate tennis fan, is patron of the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club (AELTC), the organisation which stages Wimbledon.

She has been a regular guest at Wimbledon since making her first visit as a member of the royal family in 2011.