Royalty spurred me on, says Federer

Roger Federer yesterday said that seeing Prince William and wife Catherine in the Royal Box on Wimbledon Centre Court helped inspire him to a record 32nd Grand Slam semi-final appearance

Britain’s Prince William (right) and his wife Catherine (left) applaudu00a0Roger Federer from the Royal Box on Centre Court yesterday. PIC/AFP

Federer defeated Russia’s Mikhail Youzhny 6-1, 6-2, 6-2 to set-up a semi-final clash with World No 1 Novak Djokovic.

Also in the Royal Box were Australian tennis legend Rod Laver, 50 years after he completed the Grand Slam, as well as golden couple Andre Agassi and wife Steffi Graf, both former Wimbledon champions.

“I really actually do enjoy seeing legends coming out, following today’s tennis. Royals coming out, it’s inspiring, too, in some ways, believe it or not,” Federer explained. “It’s great for Wimbledon. It’s great for the players. It’s just nice to see that the Royal Box is always full. It’s never empty for us.”

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