On July 13, 2025, the hallowed Centre Court at Wimbledon became a stage not only for tennis brilliance but also for royal camaraderie, as Spain’s King Felipe VI joined the Prince and Princess of Wales, along with their children, Prince George and Princess Charlotte, in the Royal Box to support Carlos Alcaraz in the men’s singles final. The 22-year-old Spaniard, aiming for a historic third consecutive Wimbledon title, faced world No. 1 Jannik Sinner in a thrilling rematch of their French Open epic. Though Alcaraz fell 4-6, 6-4, 6-4, 6-4, the presence of royalty underscored his status as a national treasure, with King Felipe’s attendance adding a layer of prestige to an already electrifying day.
The final was a clash of titans, with Alcaraz, the two-time defending champion, carrying a 24-match Wimbledon winning streak and a perfect 5-0 record in Grand Slam finals. Sinner, the 23-year-old Italian, was chasing his first Wimbledon crown and fourth major, having bested Alcaraz in their last encounter at the 2023 Beijing Open. “I’m not surprised he pushed me to the limit,” Alcaraz said, reflecting on their grueling five-hour, 29-minute French Open final 35 days earlier. “I expect that on Sunday.” Sinner, equally respectful, anticipated another classic: “We saw the last final—you never know [what will happen]. Hopefully, it’s going to be a good match like the last one.” The match lived up to the hype, with Alcaraz seizing the first set with a dazzling backhand, only for Sinner to rally back, overcoming a champagne cork landing on court—“Only here at Wimbledon,” he quipped—to clinch the title with a 137-mph ace.
King Felipe’s presence was a powerful gesture of support for Alcaraz, who hails from El Palmar, Murcia. The 55-year-old monarch, a known tennis enthusiast, has been a steadfast supporter, having watched Alcaraz defeat Novak Djokovic in the 2023 Wimbledon final. After that victory, Alcaraz playfully remarked, “King Felipe, I am really proud that you are here supporting me. When I played in front of you twice, twice I won—I hope you are coming more!” Though Felipe’s lucky charm didn’t secure a third title, his attendance, alongside British royals, highlighted Alcaraz’s global appeal. “Thank you to the King of Spain for coming here for support,” Alcaraz said post-match, acknowledging the honor. “It’s just an honor having you in the stands supporting, flying here to watch the finals.” The Spanish Royal Household echoed this pride, posting on social media: “Has dado lo mejor de ti” (“You gave your best”), consoling Alcaraz after his defeat.
The Royal Box was a spectacle in itself, blending Spanish and British royalty. The Prince and Princess of Wales, joined by George, 12, and Charlotte, 10, brought familial warmth to the occasion. Princess Charlotte, attending her second Wimbledon final, was a vocal supporter, having cheered Alcaraz in 2024. The Princess of Wales, patron of the All England Club, presented the trophies, her presence a poignant moment after her recent public appearances following cancer treatment. Fans on X celebrated the royal turnout, with one writing, “King Felipe of Spain is at #Wimbledon for the Men’s final. Tremendous support for Alcaraz from his country.” The star-studded box also included tennis legend Chris Evert and actors like Paul Mescal and Nicole Kidman, making it a convergence of sport and celebrity.
Alcaraz’s journey to the final was marked by resilience. After a vacation in Cancun to recharge post-French Open, he arrived in London with “no expectations” but won the Queen’s Club title, extending his grass-court dominance. “Grass-court mode is activated,” he declared after defeating Jiri Lehecka, becoming the only active player besides Djokovic with more grass titles. His Wimbledon run saw him drop just two sets before the final, showcasing his flair for slices and drop shots. “The style that the people bring to the court when they play on grass, I think is so beautiful,” he said, praising the surface’s elegance. Despite the loss, Alcaraz remained upbeat: “I’m going with my head really high and with a smile, because I gave everything.”
Sinner’s victory marked a historic moment, making him the first Italian man to win Wimbledon. His coach, Darren Cahill, called it “important not just because it was Wimbledon, but because Carlos had won the last five matches against him.” For Alcaraz, the defeat was a rare stumble, but his rivalry with Sinner promises more classics. As King Felipe and the royals applauded, the match underscored tennis’s new era, with Alcaraz and Sinner leading the charge. The monarch’s support, a symbol of national pride, ensured that even in defeat, Alcaraz left Centre Court as a champion in spirit, ready to return and reclaim his crown.
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