It was a breezy union of British whimsy and semi-performed buffoonery on a balmy day at Wimbledon 2025 when star thespian Hugh Grant made headlines not through a display of big-brained wit or eccentric fashion, but by having a kip on the poshest of perches. As Novak Djokovic and Flavio Cobolli faced off in an intense quarterfinal match on July 9, the Love Actually star was pictured taking a nap in no less than Centre Court's hallowed Royal Box, right in the seat behind Queen Camilla.
When the match settled into a squeaky-tight first-set tiebreaker, usually a moment crackling with energy and suspense, cameras panned to the 64-year-old actor, his arms folded placidly at his sides, eyes closed, his head slightly tilted in sweet submission to slumber. ESPN's Chris Fowler, however, didn't skip a step, turning to co-commentator John McEnroe with a grin, saying, "Is he with us?"
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McEnroe, never one to duck a snappy punch, said, "Looks like he could use a little wake up call. It's a tiebreaker, tell him. Long way to go," before they both laughed at the surprise break in the Grant. Though the veteran tennis broadcasters found humor in the incident, not all fans were as amused. One fan in the stands was said to have shot Grant a disapproving look, perhaps because they were offended by the actor's indifference to what many believe to be the holy grail of live tennis moments.
The nap may go down as another endearing notch in the public persona of a man who, for all his fame, can play self-deprecating like Hugh Grant. And then, Wimbledon is a social and cultural extravaganza, perhaps, for some, even a plump place for a little midday nap. Grant's spontaneous nap might become one of the more discussed moments at this year's tournament.

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