GAME, SET AND MATCH

Laura Robson looks smashing in tailored co-ords at the genteel Queen's Club as she reveals her new role ushering in a historic era of women's tennis

- SOPHIE HAMILTON

Tennis champion Laura Robson experienced some incredible moments during her career, from winning Junior Wimbledon at the age of 14 to scooping a silver medal with her mixed doubles partner, Andy Murray, at the London Olympic Games.

But off the court, one of her fondest memories is of spending time with the Princess of Wales when they were fellow spectators at Wimbledon, describing the day as “a really cool experience”.

Laura, who was on the tournament's player-relations team at the time, two years ago, exclusively tells HELLO! that she “didn’t know that was going to be part of my job that day”.

“[Kate] really loves her tennis,” she recalls. “We went out to watch [British female No. 1] Katie Boulter, and then she was going for lunch with Roger Federer afterwards, because they were all in the royal box that day.

“It’s great to see someone like that support tennis and have such a passion for it, and the rest of her family are always at Wimbledon as well, so the more support, the better.”

After being forced to end her playing career in 2022 due to injury, Laura, 31, is now behind one of the most hotly anticipated dates on the British tennis calendar: she is tournament director for the new Women’s WTA 500 event at London's historic The Queen’s Club.

Taking place in June, the tournament will invite female players to compete at the exclusive members-only tennis club in west London – founded in 1886 – for the first time since 1973.

And perhaps then, amid the terraces lined with tulips, she will be reunited with the Princess, who is royal patron of the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club. “I would love to see her at the women’s event here,” Laura says.