Dart enjoys royal approval in her first grand slam victory
Harriet Dart (GB) beat Christina Mchale (US) 4-6, 6-4, 6-4
Under normal circumstances the major talking point surrounding Harriet Dart’s first singles win in a grand slam would be how she managed to get the better of American Christina Mchale despite a shaky serve. However, it was the surprise appearance of the Duchess of Cambridge outside the Royal Box that dominated the post-match analysis.
There was a casual atmosphere for the first match on Court 14 despite the presence of royalty, with word very slowly trickling through around the grounds. Dart was only made aware of the esteemed spectator when the chair umpire informed her prior to the coin toss.
With a broad smile, the 22-yearold asked the media: “I mean, it’s pretty surreal. Any of you had the Duchess watch you guys play?”
The Duchess, in her capacity as All England Club patron, was accompanied by Great Britain Fed Cup captain Anne Keothavong and injured player Katie Boulter.
There was speculation as to whether Dart had made a previous connection with the Duchess, but she confirmed they had never met. It would seem the breach in royal protocol was down to Keothavong, who was a member of the exclusive Cumberland Tennis Club in West Hampstead, where Dart grew up with the sport. Keothavong’s sister Lena is club captain.
Dart, playing in only her third match at a grand slam, entered as a wild card and, with a ranking of 182, was very much the underdog.
Mchale’s experience shone through in the first set as she used her angular forehand to exploit
Dart, saving three break points when the set was poised at 3-3 and eventually taking it 6-4.
After the Duchess’s departure, Dart came into her own and at times, particularly in the third set when there were seven consecutive breaks, the match resembled one which would be played at the local park where holds of serve are more precious than breaks.
The £72,000 for reaching the second round – where she will face Brazilian qualifier Beatriz Haddad Maia, who saw off 2017 Champion Garbine Muguruza in straight sets – will hugely benefit Dart’s career. It means she has made almost a quarter of her entire career earnings of £290,000 in one day. It will assist coaching and other expenses that lower-ranked players can often struggle with. Meanwhile, fellow Britain Katie Swan had a day of contrasting fortunes as she went out in straight sets 6-2, 6-4 to German Laura Siegemund, 31. Swan, 20, who reached the second round last year, has recently spoken out about mental health struggles and believes that nerves as well as the German’s unpredictable style helped to get the better of her on Court 12. Swan said: “I was pretty nervous on the court. I definitely felt my nerves were a bit overwhelming today.”