QUEENS OF THE COURT
Kate Middleton hits the court with Emma Raducanu – as US Open champion praises duchess’ ‘great forehand’
KATE Middleton today hit the court with teen tennis sensation Emma Raducanu - but it was the US Open champ who was left impressed.
The 18-year-old hailed the duchess' "great forehand" just weeks after becoming the first British woman to win a Grand Slam Singles title since 1977.
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The Duchess of Cambridge gave Raducanu a smashing homecoming party at the National Tennis Centre in Roehampton this morning.
Kate, the Patron of the Lawn Tennis Association, played Raducanu in a friendly doubles match.
The pair grinned as they hit the court, with Kate stunning in a blue and white tennis skirt and jacket with her hair up, while Emma wore a blue t-shirt with white shorts.
Kate, 38, managed to hold her own, sending the ball spinning down the court in the match.
And after the game, Emma hailed Kate's tennis skills and her support - and even admitted she was "really nervous" to be playing against sporty Kate
The teenager said: "We were just speaking about the US Open and the win and what a great achievement it was for us but also for the country.
"She was very supportive and it was great to play tennis with her.
"She has a great game and actually a great forehand."
Raducanu also revealed she kept thinking "don't miss" as she played against the royal.
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The duchess sat with Britain's newest sports star along with fellow British US Open heroes Joe Salisbury, who won the mixed doubles, and Alfie Hewett and Gordon Reid.
She said: "Amazing guys, honestly. Congratulations. Seriously impressive.
"It's been so nice for all of you to come back here in your home country to celebrate back home."
Kate is a keen tennis fan - and congratulated the teen when she won at the US Open earlier this month.
She is often seen at Wimbledon and was all smiles earlier this year as she watched the women's final when Ash Barty triumphed over Karolina Pliskova at Centre Court.
This comes after tennis sensation Emma attended a dinner hosted by British Vogue and Tiffany & Co at London Fashion Week.
Raducanu is already a sporting icon but is now making waves in the fashion world, too, after attending the prestigious Met Gala in New York.
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The Queen led a flurry of tributes to Raducanu after her win, sending an official note from her Balmoral holiday home.
On officially headed notepaper, Her Majesty said: “It is a remarkable achievement at such a young age, and is testament to your hard work and dedication.
“I have no doubt your outstanding performance, and that of your opponent, Leylah Fernandez, will inspire the next generation of tennis players.
"I send my warmest good wishes to you and your many supporters.”
KATE, SET, MATCH
And Andy Murray has hailed Emma Raducanu’s “very special” US Open triumph and welcomed it as a massive boost for British tennis.
The three-time major champion said his compatriot’s success in New York showed what tennis insiders had known for a while - that she was “really, really good”.
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Raducanu became the first qualifier ever to win a Grand Slam title when she overcame Canada’s Leylah Fernandez 6-4 6-3.
The victory saw her become the first British woman to lift a major singles title since Virginia Wade in 1977.
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Brit ace and US Open champion Emma Raducanu makes huge career move off the court after teaming up with Tiffany & Co
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