The Duchess of Cambridge appeared in great spirits today as she enjoyed a game of doubles with US Open winner Emma Raducanu, after gushing that the teenage tennis sensation’s recent victory was ‘seriously impressive’. Kate, 39, who has returned to work following her annual summer break, looked appropriately sporty in a blue tennis skirt, matching zip-up tracksuit jacket from French sportswear brand Poivre Blanc and On tennis shoes, developed with Roger Federer, for the visit at the National Tennis Centre in London. Appearing as equally ready for their match, teammate Emma, 18, who became the first British woman to win a grand slam title for 44 years when she won the US Open earlier this month, just weeks after collecting her A-level results, donned a blue T-shirt and white shorts for the outing.
The Duchess of Cambridge wore a sporty tennis skirt for the occasion, which she wore with a zip-up jacket from French sportswear brand Poivre Blanc.
Kate showed off her athletic prowess as she criss-crossed across the court during the session in the sunshine this morning.
Victory! The Duchess of Cambridge reacted with joy as she played with British US Open Champion Emma during the event.
To celebrate the success of the British US Open champions, the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) is inviting the nation to come together for a special ‘Homecoming’ event. Pictured, Kate and Emma on the tennis court.
The Duchess of Cambridge was beaming as she played a match with the US Open champions during the homecoming event.
The Duchess of Cambridge beamed at Emma as they took to the court today for the homecoming event in London.
The royal, a keen tennis fan, also showed off her skills as she played alongside Joe Salisbury during the session.
Before the thirty-minute show, which will be broadcast live today at 12:30pm on BBC as well as the LTA’s social media channels, Emma (pictured left), 18, chatted with keen tennis fan Kate, who is patron of the LTA.
Emma and Kate clearly enjoyed each other’s company as they took to the court at the National Tennis Centre in London.
The Duchess of Cambridge and the teenager tennis sensation chatted happily together during their match.
Oh dear! Kate looked less than impressed with herself during one portion of the match, and placed her hand on her head.
Kate (pictured left), 39, who has returned to work following her annual summer break, looked appropriately sporty in a blue tennis skirt and matching zip-up jacket for the visit at the National Tennis Centre in London.
Before the group picked up their rackets the duchess (pictured playing with Emma) told the champions: ‘Amazing guys, honestly, congratulations to all of you – it’s seriously impressive.’
The professional! Emma appeared to be taking the game seriously as she brandished her racket while playing with Kate.
Sharing a smile: Kate couldn’t help but keep the grin on her face while playing with Emma, who looked equally pleased.
Kate and Emma worked together against other players such as Britain’s tennis stars Alfie Hewett and Gordon Reid, who won the men’s wheelchair doubles, and men’s doubles champion Joe Salisbury.
Great team work! The royal mother-of-three shared a laugh with the British US Open champion as they played tennis together.
The Duchess of Cambridge talked to British US Open champions Emma and Gordon Reid as they returned to the LTA’s National Tennis Centre for The Homecoming and to celebrate their success.
Taking part and joining in! It appeared Kate and Emma worked well as a team as they jointly tried to win the game of tennis.
Elsewhere, the Duchess of Cambridge, in her role as patron of the LTA, chatted to a group of children on the organization’s Youth program.
Kate has returned to work following her summer break with her husband Prince William, 39, and their three children Prince George, eight, Princess Charlotte, six, and Prince Louis, three. Pictured, the duchess speaks with children attending today’s celebration.
Emma (pictured) defeated Leylah Fernandez 6-4 6-3 at Arthur Ashe Stadium earlier this month to become Great Britain’s first female grand slam winner in 44 years.
Teenage tennis sensation Emma and Joe Salisbury in action as they return to the LTA’s National Tennis Centre for the Homecoming today.
What a pro! Emma made her tennis skills look effortless as she joined in the matches alongside the duchess and then tennis star Joe Salisbury.
Playing doubles at the National Tennis Centre, Kate and Emma teamed up for their first matches, before swapping to opposite sides of the court. Pictured, Emma teamed up with Joe Salisbury.
Can’t stop smiling! Emma appeared to be in a great mood and in top form as she attended the homecoming event in London.
Giving it her all! Kate looked on top form as she enjoyed a game of tennis with the professionals in On tennis shoes, developed with tennis player Roger Federer.
Less game, more chat: The duchess and British US Open Champion took a moment to talk with one another when at the event.
Taking it all in: The two women appeared to enjoy their discussion together as they paused their game at the homecoming.
They mean business! Kate and Emma looked ready to play following their chat, with the duo seemingly determined to win.
All in! The duchess Kate appeared to try her hardest when attending the event, brandishing a racket while in her on-point tennis kit.
In the presence of a champion! The duchess appeared in awe as she watched 18-year-old Emma showcase her tennis skills.
The duchess (pictured) joined the homecoming celebration, hosted by the LTA Youth program, in which four champions were on court alongside children taking part in the scheme.
The duchess is all smiles as she joins in with a game of tennis.
The Duchess of Cambridge meets British US Open Champions Emma Raducanu, Joe Salisbury (back row left) , Gordon Reid and Alfie Hewett (front row left).
The LTA youth initiative is an innovative program aimed at inspiring the next generation of players aged 4-18, as well as helping more children enjoy the benefits of playing and staying in tennis, whatever their age, gender, ability, disability or background. Pictured, the duchess at the event.