How Rafael Nadal declined to meet Queen Elizabeth II

Rafael Nadal famously declined a chance to meet the monarch at the 2010 Wimbledon opting to prepare for his match against Robin Haase instead.

The Spaniard had the chance to lead the British head of state at the 2010 Wimbledon when she visited the event but he declined it in order to practice for his match against Haase. The practice session was always booked and Nadal was unaware he would get the chance to meet the monarch back then. He opted against it expecting a possible meeting after the match but it didn't happen.

When asked about it many years ago Nadal explained what had happened:

“I knew it was going to be a very difficult match. I had to practice around then, so it was impossible for me [to meet the Queen]. I have my routines. Before the match, it is very difficult when you don't know when you're going to play. For me it was disappointing. I was excited to meet her but it was a very important match for me too."

He was right as the match went to five sets with Nadal winning it after trailing 1-2. He would go on to lift his second Wimbledon trophy later but he never got to meet the Queen:

“I thought the Queen was going to be at my match and I would love to have the chance to meet her after the match. But it wasn't possible because I think the Queen left before.

He, like many others, has expressed his condolences to the British Royal Family after the passing of Queen Elizabeth II.