However, she has a tough match on her hands in Rybakina, who stunned Simona Halep 6-3, 6-3 in her semi-final. The Russian-born Kazakhstani’s straight sets victory over the former world No.1 saw her serve reach speeds of 120mph. This year’s women’s singles draw has seen huge stars exit the tournament, including Serena Williams who was beaten in the first round by Harmony Tan. The 23-time Grand Slam champion has been one of Wimbledon’s top stars over the years and in 2019 she was supported by her friend Meghan Markle. The Duchess of Sussex, who now lives in California with Prince Harry, watched Williams during her second-round match against Kaja Juvan. JUST IN: Pippa and Carole Middleton snubbed after being turned down for VIP seats at Wimbledon However, the royal family’s visit proved controversial as a Wimbledon fan hit out at the “control freak” security guard, who she said left her “confused”. Media consultant and journalist Sally Jones claimed one of Meghan’s security guards told her to stop taking pictures of the royal family because she was watching Wimbledon in a “private capacity”. Ms Jones, who sat in the same row as Meghan, claimed she was unaware the Duchess was there and was trying to photograph Williams. In a column for the Daily Telegraph about her experience, she wrote: “This puzzling random control is in direct contrast to royal practice. “Most of the Queen’s extended family who appear in public, whether in a public or private capacity, are generally neither surprised nor offended when questioned or photographed by a mostly sympathetic public, who delight in a chance encounter with even lesser royal lights. He told the Telegraph: “I think this royal protection officer was quite embarrassed. “He appeared a bit confused as to why he was being asked to make such a request. “I told him it was scary and that even if I tried to take the Duchess I would get a blurry picture of her right ear. “Apart from anything else, there were hundreds of people clicking away. “I said to him; Have you thought about talking to any of those TV cameras? He looked a little uncomfortable.” Buckingham Palace confirmed in a statement at the time that Meghan attended Wimbledon. Williams told reporters after her match that she was unaware “there was negative media out there” regarding Meghan’s visit. The All England Club also said in a statement to The Times: “Any suggestion that the Duchess’s visit was anything other than a privilege for the club is categorically not the club’s view and she is always welcome to attend the championships.” Coverage of Jabeur vs Rybakina will be shown live on BBC One from 1pm today.
