Ons Jabeur said she was grateful to receive a hug from Kate, Princess of Wales, after suffering "the most painful loss of my career" in Saturday's Wimbledon women's final.
Tunisian Jabeur came up short in her latest quest to be crowned the first African or Arab women's Grand Slam champion, falling 6-4, 6-4 to Marketa Vondrousova of the Czech Republic.
It was the second successive defeat in a Wimbledon final for 28-year-old Jabeur and her third loss in as many Grand Slam finals after she also lost the 2022 US Open championship decider. "Hugs are always welcome," a tearful Jabeur said during his post-match press conference when asked about her interaction with the British royal during the trophy presentation at Centre Court.
Jabeur also acknowledged the comforting words of Kim Clijsters, the International Tennis Hall of Fame member who was defeated in her first four major finals before winning the next four.