Patrick McEnroe Talks Kate Middleton’s ‘Genuine Affection for Tennis’ and Djokovic’s ‘Amazing’ Wimbledon Run at 39 (Exclusive)

Patrick McEnroe and Melissa Errico at Wimbledon 2026 Credit: Courtesy of Melissa Errico and PatrickNEED TO KNOWSpeaking exclusively to PEOPLE, Patrick McEnroe and his wife Melissa Errico discuss the tennis pro’s 60th birthday as well as this year’s Wimbledon and wife Melissa Errico’s musical debut at Ronnie Scott’s jazz club in London • >The couple also open up about Novak Djokovic and Kate Middleton, along with revealing how they spent McEnroe’s milestone birthday • >The French Open doubles champion tells PEOPLE “tennis becomes something bigger than sport” at the British tennis tournamentThis week is one for the history books for Patrick McEnroe and his wife, Melissa Errico.

>Not only have they spent it celebrating the former French Open champion’s 60th birthday, but the 2026 Wimbledon tennis tournament is also nearing its finale.

>The men’s final of the renowned tennis competition in London falls on the same day that Broadway star Errico is making her musical debut at the iconic jazz club Ronnie Scott’s, where legends like Amy Winehouse and Jimi Hendrix once performed in the English capital.

(L-R) John McEnroe and Patrick McEnroe at Patrick’s 60th birthday party Credit: Sam MeadowsPEOPLE spoke exclusively to the couple about Novak Djokovic’s “extraordinary” achievements at this year’s Wimbledon, Kate Middleton’s surprise appearance and how the tennis legend, the younger brother of 17-time Grand Slam winner John McEnroe, marked his milestone birthday.

>PEOPLE: Patrick, you played at Wimbledon a number of times in your career. Can you talk about the enduring wonder and fun of the competition?

>PATRICK MCENROE: There’s a reason Wimbledon remains so special. The traditions matter, but they’re never frozen in time. Every year, you’re watching history and the future happen simultaneously. The setting is beautiful, but it’s ultimately about the players, the competition, and the respect everyone has for the game. At Wimbledon, tennis becomes something bigger than sport.

>MELISSA ERRICO: I come from the theater, so I’m naturally drawn to ritual. There’s the line outside, the grass courts, the charm, the flowers, the colors, the Pimms, the strawberries. Wimbledon has that same sense of anticipation before the curtain goes up. There is elegance, discipline, emotion and extraordinary performance under pressure.

Novak Djokovic at Wimbledon 2026 Credit: Marleen Fouchier/BSR Agency/GettyPEOPLE: What’s been your standout moment from this year’s Championships so far? Has anything surprised you?

>PATRICK MCENROE: Every Wimbledon reminds you that the game keeps evolving. At the time of this interview, Djokovic won an epic match on Centre Court. Watching Novak Djokovic continue to compete at this level has been extraordinary. He’s accomplished just about everything there is in the game, yet he still finds another gear on Centre Court, pulling off amazing victories at 39.

Kate Middleton (C) alongside Anne Keothavong (L) and Andy Murray (R) at Wimbledon on July 2, 2026 Credit: James Fearn/GettyPEOPLE:Kate Middletonattended this year’s Championships last week and usually gives out trophy’s on finals weekend in her role as patron of the All England Lawn Tennis Club. What is it like when she’s in the grounds, and what does she do for the reach of tennis?

>PATRICK MCENROE: The Princess has a genuine affection for tennis, and people recognize that. Her presence brings tremendous visibility to the Championships, but just as importantly, she seems sincerely interested in the players and in the sport itself. Wimbledon has always represented tradition at its best, and she contributes to that sense of continuity while helping introduce the tournament to audiences around the world. She has a remarkable ability to connect with people.

Melissa Ericco and Patrick McEnroe in the Royal Box at Wimbledon Credit: Courtesy of Melissa Errico and PatrickMELISSA ERRICO: One of the lovely things about Wimbledon is that everyone, whether they’re royalty, athletes, artists, or lifelong fans, comes together because of a shared love of the game. There’s a grand sense of occasion, but also an unexpected warmth. That’s part of what makes Wimbledon unlike anywhere else.

>PEOPLE: Melissa, the men’s final falls on the same day that you’re performing at legendary London jazz club, Ronnie Scott’s...

>MELISSA ERRICO: It does feel wonderfully symbolic. Wimbledon has been our family’s July tradition for thirty years, and London has quietly become one of my artistic homes. Over the past few years, I’ve found myself returning here at pivotal moments and Ronnie Scott’s has been a dream for a very long time.

>PATRICK MCENROE: I’m excited because I know how much Ronnie Scott’s means to Melissa. She’s dreamed of singing there for years. It’s one of those legendary rooms where every musician understands the history before they even walk onstage. Ronnie Scott’s is to jazz what Wimbledon is to tennis. The timing is funny and perfect.

Patrick McEnroe and Melissa Ericco with their children at Patrick’s 60th birthday party Credit: Sam MeadowsPEOPLE: You turned 60 on July 1, Patrick. How did you celebrate?

>PATRICK MCENROE: It was a wonderful birthday — one of those occasions that reminds you how fortunate you are. We celebrated in London during Wimbledon, which has been part of my life for decades, surrounded by family and dear friends. At 60, you spend less time thinking about milestones and more time appreciating the people who have walked through life with you.

>MELISSA ERRICO: I loved pulling it together. We had our daughters with us, dear friends gathered around, and there was a wonderful feeling that everyone had simply come to celebrate Patrick. The tables were dotted with cupcakes and vintage black-and-white photos of Patrick playing tennis. We had a marvelous magician. The party was relaxed, full of laughter, a little crazy, and exactly the kind of evening he’ll remember.

Patrick McEnroe’s 60th birthday Credit: Sam MeadowsI wanted him to feel how much I love him. A long marriage is like an old city: there are forgotten corners, cherished squares, and long boulevards that lead you onwards.

>Our life has been paradoxical, because we both still are doing what we were passionate about at 11. We’re both children who have grown and had children and kept the best part of our childlike selves.

>PEOPLE: Patrick, your brother, John, James Blake and Andy Roddick were among the guests. What did that mean to you?

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>PATRICK MCENROE: It was incredibly meaningful to have John there, along with tennis friends I’ve known for many years. Every July, you reconnect with people who have shared different chapters of your life, and those friendships only grow richer over time. I was deeply touched that Debbie Jevans CBE, Chair of the All England Club, knew it was my birthday and invited Melissa and me to the Royal Box the day before in recognition of my years in tennis.

>MELISSA ERRICO: My favorite party memory wasn’t a speech or a toast — it was looking around the table and seeing so many different worlds overlapping so naturally. Our tennis family, old friends, our daughters, and even wonderful friends who had flown in from Singapore, including Attorney General Lucien Wong and his wife, Christina, who have been incredible supporters of my music for a decade. No one was talking about accomplishments; everyone was simply enjoying each other’s company. The birthday was filled with joy.

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