Rybakina changed her citizenship years before Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine began. However, the fact that the tennis star was born, trained, educated and resided in Moscow meant that Wimbledon “ended up with the image it was so desperate to prevent”, said the Telegraph’s chief sports writer. After Russian athletes were banned from Wimbledon as a result of Vladimir Putin’s war, which the dictator launched in late February, photos of the Duchess of Cambridge with Rybakina “made a mockery of Russia’s Wimbledon ban” and “crown the most grim irony,” Oliver. Brown wrote. READ MORE: Adorable moment Prince George hugs dad William before telling him he’s too hot – WATCH He claimed: “The moment was enough to send screams of despair through the boardwalks leading to the Centre’s lawn. “All along, Wimbledon’s rationale for banning Russians blanketly was to deny Putin any chance of a propaganda coup. “This women’s final, however, brought a photo opportunity that would have everyone in the Russian Embassy in London laughing uproariously over their vodka glasses.” A scathing Mr Brown added: “A champion made in Russia, accepting the biggest prize in tennis from the future Queen of Britain? “That was the result for Wimbledon, which they became nightmares about.” He added: “Lena lives in Moscow, grew up here, became a player here. “Congratulations to the royal family, they should reward the native of Russia.” Rybakina, ahead of meeting the Duchess, expressed her excitement for what she was sure would be an “amazing” moment. She said: “It’s an honor and I’m going to be really excited right now, whether I win or lose. “I think it’s something to remember and it’s going to be amazing.” The duchess, wearing an elegant yellow dress, told Rybakina she was playing “very well”. Kate, along with Prince William and Prince George, was spotted at the South London club on Sunday for the men’s singles final between Novak Djokovic and Nick Kyrgios and is responsible for presenting the winners and runners-up after the match. Serbia’s Djokovic faces Australia’s Kyrgios – the first 20-time Grand Slam champion, the second debutant in the singles final. Eight-year-old George appeared excited to attend the championship, while his siblings, seven-year-old Princess Charlotte and four-year-old Prince Louis did not go along.
