Actor Hugh Grant has sparked a heated online debate after being caught on camera seemingly dozing off in Wimbledon’s Royal Box during a key Novak Djokovic match
Hugh Grant has become the unexpected centre of attention at Wimbledon this week after he was filmed seemingly nodding off in the Royal Box during one of the tournament’s most anticipated matches.
The Love Actually star, 64, was spotted with his head lowered and eyes closed during the men’s quarter-final between Novak Djokovic and Flavio Cobolli on Wednesday. The moment was captured by BBC cameras and broadcast live, just minutes after Grant had been seen chatting amiably with Queen Camilla in the exclusive seating area on Centre Court.
Grant had arrived at the All England Club alongside his wife, Anna Eberstein, and the couple had earlier appeared cheerful – smiling and laughing as they mingled with other guests and stood to greet the Queen.
However, during the heat of the match, with temperatures soaring to 26 degrees, the actor was filmed slouched in his seat wearing sunglasses, sparking a flurry of reactions online.
BBC Sport later shared the clip on X (formerly Twitter), joking: “It’s all got a bit too much for Hugh Grant,” along with laughing and sleeping emojis. The post quickly went viral and ignited a spirited debate among tennis fans.
Some social media users were unimpressed, accusing Grant of being disrespectful. One wrote: “COBOLLI I think HUGH GRANT owes you a massive apology for being asleep in your tie breaker situation, totally disrespectful.”
Another fumed: “Hugh Grant is sleeping through the first set tie break! T**ts like him and some other ‘celebs’ who get privileged tickets for #Wimbledon2025 don’t deserve them!!!”
However, not everyone took the moment so seriously. Many fans found humour in the brief nap, with one joking: “Hugh Grant asleep in the Royal Box is the best thing I’ve seen at #WIMBLEDON this year!! I love this man!!” Another added: “Hugh Grant flat out kipping at Wimbledon is the best thing I’ve seen today.”
The day saw numerous celebrities in attendance enjoying the sunshine. Ted Lasso star Hannah Waddingham made a style statement in a scarlet alice + olivia dress, while Emily Atack looked elegant in a black and white gown as she sipped a Pimm’s in the stands.
Comedian Jack Whitehall and his fiancée Roxy Horner were also spotted, posing in the Vodafone Lounge with Whitehall’s parents before taking their seats.
Other notable guests included former Prime Minister Sir John Major and influencer GK Barry, who wore a stylish black and white tweed outfit.
Grant has not commented on the incident, but his moment of mid-match fatigue has certainly become one of Wimbledon’s most talked-about moments this year.
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