Former footballer Sir Geoff Hurst, who scored a hat-trick in the 1966 World Cup final to secure England's victory, was among a host of sports personalities in the royal box at Wimbledon on Sunday, hours before England's clash with Mexico.
The 82-year-old waved as he was introduced before play on Centre Court, where he watched Roman Safiullin take on Novak Djokovic in the fourth round of the gentlemen's singles. His appearance came just hours before England faced World Cup co-hosts Mexico at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, with kick-off scheduled for 6pm local time (1am Monday in the UK).
Royal Box Gathers Sports Stars and Royalty
Joining Sir Geoff in the royal box were Olympic marathon runner Paula Radcliffe, who wore a black dress with a pinstripe skirt, alongside fellow athlete Dame Kelly Holmes and Lioness Lauren James. Track cyclists Sir Jason and Dame Laura Kenny waved to fans, while heptathlon champion Dame Jessica Ennis-Hill warmly greeted English rugby union player Rosie Galligan.
Also present were former rugby union players Sir Clive Woodward and Matt Dawson, former tennis player and TV presenter Sue Barker, Manchester United manager Michael Carrick, and former footballer Graeme Souness. The box also hosted King Frederik X of Denmark.
Middle Sunday Play Tradition Changed in 2022
Elsewhere, former cricketer Nick Knight watched his daughter Megan play America's Carrie-Ann Hoo in the first round of the girls' singles on Court Five. Traditionally a rest day for players, play on "middle Sunday" began in 2022. The All England Club said the change was designed to make the championships accessible to more people and to ease the busy "manic" Monday of the tournament.
