Chanting Kate lifts Norrie to victory
WILLIAM and Kate cheered Cameron Norrie to a thrilling triumph which sealed the British tennis ace’s first appearance in the Wimbledon semi-finals.
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge joined in home fans’ chants which helped propel the 26-year-old to victory in a seesaw five-set quarter-final battle against Belgium’s David Goffin.
And at the climax, the royals leapt to their feet to applaud the star who won the nation’s heart.
They later tweeted a picture of triumphant, fist-pumping Norrie, saying: “What a match! Just brilliant.”
Speechless
The couple later added: “What a day of tennis! Fantastic to be back at Wimbledon today and wonderful to see Cam Norrie flying the flag in the singles!”
Chief among the Court No 1 fans’ chants was “Norrie, Norrie, Norrie, Oi! Oi! Oi!” and “Come on Cam!”
The British No 1 and ninth seed was two sets to one down when the Duke and Duchess arrived after seeing Novak Djokovic reach his 11th SW19 semi on Centre Court.
And the tension of Norrie’s fightback clearly got to the Royals and the 12,300 spectators.
At one point William adjusted his tie and exhaled deeply.
But after sealing his 3-6, 7-5, 2-6, 6-3, 7-5 win, an emotional Norrie said: “I’m so happy to get through. Honestly, I’m speechless. I can’t even talk. I just had to use my legs at the end to get the ball in the court.”
On playing Serbian six-time winner and defending champion Djokovic, the world No 12 said: “It only gets tougher. I’m sure you guys will get behind me and I’ll take the fight to him.”
Norrie was watched by his tearful mum Helen, dad David and girlfriend Louise Jacobi, 23.
William and Kate, who is patron of the All England Club, cheered him on after seeing Djokovic beat Italian Jannik Sinner in five sets.
Kate’s parents, Michael and Carole Middleton, were also in the Royal Box yesterday.
Other VIPs included Strictly star Oti Mabuse and husband Marius Lepure, comedian David Walliams and broadcasters David Dimbleby and Sir Trevor McDonald.