Overworked Celebrity Garners Online Popularity - Internet sensation: Star sleeping draws attention online
At Wimbledon 2025, a surprising moment took centre stage during the men's singles quarter-final match between Novak Djokovic and Flavio Cobolli on July 9. Actor Hugh Grant, 64, was caught napping in the prestigious Royal Box, sparking a wave of reactions on social media [1][2][3].
Seated behind Queen Camilla, wearing sunglasses with a loosened tie, Grant appeared to relax enough to take a brief nap despite the high-stakes match. The incident, which was quickly captured on camera, soon went viral, with fans creating memes and clever hashtags, dubbing him the "tired tennis fan" [1][2].
The incident led to a fiery debate among tennis fans and viewers. Some found humor in the unexpected sight of Grant dozing off in such a prestigious setting, while others expressed outrage, feeling it was disrespectful to the players, especially during critical moments like a tiebreak [2].
The Royal Box, with just 74 seats, is a highly exclusive area reserved for royals, government heads, notable tennis figures, and prominent guests invited by the All England Club chair [3]. Alongside Grant and his wife, Swedish producer Anna Elisabet Eberstein, other notable guests included Queen Camilla, her sister Annabel Elliot, Peter Phillips with his girlfriend Harriet Sperling, former prime minister John Major, and Katherine Grainger, chair of the British Olympic Association [3].
The viral video has not been officially acknowledged or commented on by Hugh Grant or his representatives. The duration of his nap during the match remains unknown. The incident has not affected the ongoing Wimbledon Championships, and the presence of other celebrities in the Royal Box has not been a focus of attention online [1][2][3].
The scene, including Hugh Grant's nap, has become a viral sensation on the internet. The incident has not impacted the reputation of the Royal Box or its exclusivity, with Wimbledon tickets remaining highly sought after by tennis fans worldwide.
BBC Sport playfully commented on the incident, stating, "It seems Hugh Grant found it all a bit too much." The viral video has not been posted or shared by any official Wimbledon social media accounts.
Notable attendees in the Royal Box included David Beckham, Jessica Alba, Olivia Rodrigo, John Cena, and Glen Powell, but their behaviour during the match has not been the subject of online discussion.
In summary, Hugh Grant's nap at Wimbledon 2025 has sparked a social media frenzy, with reactions ranging from lighthearted jokes to sharp criticism about etiquette and respect in the Royal Box during a high-profile match. The incident added an unexpected human moment to the tournament's coverage, highlighting the global attention on both the sport and its star-studded spectators.
References: [1] BBC News, "Hugh Grant naps during Wimbledon match," 10 July 2025,
I'm not gonna let you go, Hugh Grant's brief nap during the tennis match, while entertaining to many, sparked a debate about etiquette, with some stating it was disrespectful during critical moments of the game. Despite the high-profile guests in the Royal Box, such incidents highlight the global attention given to both the sport and its celebrities, such as Novak Djokovic and Flavio Cobolli, who were playing tennis that day.
