Pat Cash has confessed to breaking royal protocol at Wimbledon, admitting he received a "slap on the wrist" from the All England Club for his iconic celebration that kept Princess Diana waiting. The 1987 champion famously clambered through the Centre Court stands to embrace his family after his straight-sets victory over Ivan Lendl, a celebration that has become legendary and was later replicated by numerous champions. Wimbledon even installed a gate to make access easier.
Cash reflects on reprimand
Speaking during the BBC's Wimbledon coverage on Friday, the 61-year-old revealed that he was told off by officials and promised not to repeat the gesture. "I did [have royals watching my match], I was climbing up the stands all those years ago," Cash said. "Princess Diana was there. I got told off because I kept the royals waiting by climbing through the stand, I got a wrist slap from the club. I promised to never do it again - with my fingers crossed firmly behind my back. But I never got the chance to do it again."
Princess Kate's surprise visit
Cash's comments came as he drew comparisons to Princess Kate, who arrived early to watch Arthur Fery on Court 3 on Thursday morning. Fery, the last British singles player to advance to the third round, defeated Otto Virtanen and will face Belgian Zizou Bergs. He admitted he was stunned to learn of the royal's presence. "I didn't know she was coming," Fery said. "I didn't know that, yeah, that was the case. So I can't really answer your question. Yeah, I mean, it's obviously an honor to play in front of her. Yeah, I guess if I'd known, it would have maybe made me a little tight. Yeah, I guess it's an honor to play in front of her."
