Al Mayadeen English

  • Ar
  • Es
  • x
Al Mayadeen English

Slogan

  • News
    • Politics
    • Economy
    • Sports
    • Arts&Culture
    • Health
    • Miscellaneous
    • Technology
    • Environment
  • Articles
    • Opinion
    • Analysis
    • Blog
    • Features
  • Videos
    • NewsFeed
    • Video Features
    • Explainers
    • TV
    • Digital Series
  • Infographs
  • In Pictures
  • • LIVE
News
  • Politics
  • Economy
  • Sports
  • Arts&Culture
  • Health
  • Miscellaneous
  • Technology
  • Environment
Articles
  • Opinion
  • Analysis
  • Blog
  • Features
Videos
  • NewsFeed
  • Video Features
  • Explainers
  • TV
  • Digital Series
Infographs
In Pictures
  • Africa
  • Asia
  • Asia-Pacific
  • Europe
  • Latin America
  • MENA
  • Palestine
  • US & Canada
BREAKING
Al Mayadeen's correspondent in South Lebanon: One martyr reported in Israeli drone strike targeting motorcycle in Ain Qana.
Israeli media: Sirens sound in Nahal Oz settlement in Gaza Envelope.
Syria: Local sources report that General Security forces targeted the camp of French fighters from the 'al-Ghuraba division' in the Idlib countryside with mortar and tank shells.
Syria: Local sources report a general military mobilization of foreign fighters in Idlib following armed clashes in the “French Camp” in the Idlib countryside.
Syria: Local sources report that International Coalition forces carried out an airdrop operation on a house in the village of al-Kassar, eastern countryside of Deir Ezzor.
Local sources: 3 killed, 7 injured in attack on transport bus in Idlib countryside, Syria
The 'French faction' in Idlib announces that Syrian security forces are preparing to attack its camp amid accusations that it is collaborating with ISIS.
Palestinian media: Israeli occupation forces storm the Old City in the center of Nablus, occupied West Bank
Local sources to Al Mayadeen: Sudanese army forces drones strike town of Kabkabiya, North Darfur.
Syrian Observatory: The plane is loaded with air defense systems and heavy weapons as part of US troop reinforcements to its bases in northeastern Syria

Rafael Nadal declined rare invitation with Queen Elizabeth II

  • By Al Mayadeen English
  • Source: Agencies
  • 7 Jul 2022 14:23
3 Min Read

After the Queen of England sent tennis star Rafael Nadal a rare lunchtime invitation, the tennis player refused not out of disrespect but rather in order to focus on the pre-match.

  • x
  • Rafael Nadal declined a rare invitation from the Queen Elizabeth II
    Rafael Nadal declined a rare invitation from the Queen Elizabeth II

Rafael Nadal, the renowned tennis star, had to make some sacrifices to achieve professional success, including declining a rare invitation from Queen Elizabeth II. Nadal currently ranks 4th in the world and thus has earned his place in tennis’ hall of fame.

At the Wimbledon Championships on Wednesday, Rafael Nadal defeated Taylor Fritz of the United States to advance to the semifinals. Two days prior, the Spaniard defeated Botic van de Zandschulp of the Netherlands. He will now play Australian Nick Kyrgios in the semi-finals, putting him one step closer to his third Wimbledon victory and 23rd major men's singles title.

Nadal had not taken part in the SW19 tournament since 2019 due to a recurring foot injury that he received special treatment for before participating in this year’s Wimbledon.

The star admitted to turning down an opportunity to meet the Queen in 2010 because he wanted to focus on his Wimbledon second-round match. He was invited to spend time with the Monarch during her rare visit to the All England Club.

Despite being offered the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, Nadal decided it was too risky to disrupt his pre-match routine before a battle with Holland's Robin Haase. At the time, Nadal said that "It was disappointing for me but the Wimbledon club knows I have my routines before the match,” adding that "I knew it was going to be a very difficult match. I had to practice around then, so it was impossible for me [to meet the Queen].”

The tennis star said that he has his routines before any match, and the upcoming one was particularly a difficult one, especially since it is not clear exactly when you are going to play. Nadal had hoped that the Queen would stay to see his match, but the Sovereign, left after seeing Andy Murray, of Great Britain, win.

Related News

US Open urges broadcasters to avoid showing boos during Trump's visit

Australian protests Gaza genocide at court during tennis match

He said, according to the Express, "Seriously, I thought the Queen was going to be at my match and I would love to have the chance to meet her after the match. But it wasn't possible because I think the Queen left before,” adding that "For me it was disappointing. I was excited to meet her but it was a very important match for me too."

He advanced to the finals by defeating Andy Murray and earned a spot in the semi-finals by winning his match against the Swedish player Robin Söderling in the quarterfinals.

Days later, Nadal overcame the Czech Republic's Tomá Berdych in the championship match, winning his second Wimbledon title.

𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐢𝐨𝐫

𝘯𝘰𝘶𝘯
1. (especially in former times) a brave or experienced soldier or fighter.

2. Rafael Nadal#Wimbledon | #CentreCourt100 pic.twitter.com/m6jL34xXQe

— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) July 6, 2022

He might perhaps play in front of Kate, Duchess of Cambridge, who took over as the All England Club's Royal Patron in 2016. As such, she is now scheduled to participate in this year's tournament's semifinals.

The Duchess enjoys playing tennis and watching it, and she frequently hangs out in the Royal Box at Centre Court. She and her husband Prince William attended the Championships for the first time, on Tuesday, to see Cameron Norrie revive British victory hopes.

At the conclusion of the week, Kate will likely hand out the winners' medals in her capacity as Royal Patron.

Read more: Nadal wins 14th French Open, record-extending 22nd Grand Slam

  • UK
  • Queen Elizabeth II
  • Rafael Nadal
  • Tennis
  • tennis stars

Most Read

Yemeni Armed Forces Chief of Staff Major General Mohammad Abd al-Karim al-Ghamari , during a ceremony in an undisclosed locations in Yemen, undate (Yemeni Military Media)

Yemeni Armed Forces mourn martyred Chief of Staff al-Ghamari

  • Politics
  • 16 Oct 2025
How an Israeli-backed firm spied on US churches to push propaganda

How an Israeli-backed firm spied on US churches to push propaganda

  • Politics
  • 15 Oct 2025
From previous scenes of the Qassam Brigades targeting an Israeli D9 bulldozer with a Yassin 105 shell, east of Deir al-Balah. (Military Media of the Qassam Brigades)

US knew fatal Rafah blast cause was not Hamas op., says journalist

  • Politics
  • 20 Oct 2025
Smoke and fire rises after 'Israel' launched airstrikes on the village of Ansar, Lebanon, October 16, 2025 (social media)

'Israel' launches two waves of brutal strikes on east, south Lebanon

  • Politics
  • 16 Oct 2025

Coverage

All
War on Gaza

Read Next

All
An Israeli settler stands over a woman who was harvesting olives after assaulting her, October 19, 2025 (social media)
Politics

West Bank sees 757 Israeli settler attacks in one year

The OpenAI logo appears on a mobile phone in front of a screen showing part of the company website in this photo taken on Nov. 21, 2023 (AP)
Technology

OpenAI unveils new search browser built around chatGPT

White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, from right, and War Secretary Pete Hegseth listen as President Donald Trump meets in the Cabinet Room of the White House, Monday, October 20, 2025, in Washington (AP)
Politics

‘Your mom’ politics take over Trump administration

Hezbollah Secretary-General Sheikh Naim Qassem during a public address on October 21, 2025 (Screengrab)
Politics

Sheikh Qassem: Lebanon stability depends on ending Israeli aggression

Al Mayadeen English

Al Mayadeen is an Arab Independent Media Satellite Channel.

All Rights Reserved

  • x
  • Privacy Policy
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Authors
Android
iOS