Virginia Wade recalls how Queen Elizabeth II had 'Roger Federer entranced' at Wimbledon lunch in 2010

Wimbledon 1977 was a special occasion for Virginia Wade. Not only did she win her home Grand Slam for the first time in its centenary year, but she was presented with the trophy on Centre Court by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Ahead of the Queen’s funeral on Monday, Wade has recalled her first experience of meeting Her Majesty, how she helped inspire her to victory that year, how the Queen left Roger Federer “entranced” when they had lunch together at Wimbledon 2010, and how the Queen had a “twinkle that lights up the world"...

Ad Wade was speaking as part of Eurosport's special commemorative show, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, which airs on Monday at 7pm. Laver CupFederer frequently reminded us no single player is bigger than tennis15 HOURS AGO — — — The Queen was always part of my life when I was growing up. She was always there — our Queen She will always be the Queen, we will never stop talking about her.

We will always be telling stories from everyone who ever met her. Always in my upbringing and as I grew up she was there, she was the ultimate. She was this magnificent person and you really did bow down in deference and appreciation of her.

When I won Wimbledon in 1977 you had to sign an entry form to register. I did that about six weeks before the tournament started and it went through my mind as I signed it that I have never really fulfilled my promise at Wimbledon, I have managed to win other Grand Slams and I haven’t come close yet at Wimbledon and I felt ready to do it but time is running out. A few days later I found out the Queen was going to be there on ladies’ final day so I thought that’s my inspiration and determination.