Pippa Middleton reveals she's copying Meghan's pal Serena Williams by continuing to play tennis during her pregnancy

  • Duchess of Cambridge's younger sister is expecting her first child 
  • Revealed in Waitrose Weekend she is still playing her beloved tennis
  • Avid player and fan is a regular in the stands at Wimbledon tournament 

Her first child is believed to be due in as little as three months time, but avid tennis player Pippa Middleton has revealed she isn't hanging up her racket.  

The Duchess of Cambridge's younger sister, who is expecting her first child with her financier husband James Matthews, told in her column for Waitrose Weekend magazine how tennis ace Serena Williams had served as proof that it is safe to play the game well into pregnancy. 

Pippa, 34, said Serena - a friend of the Duchess of Sussex who she will have rubbed shoulders with at the royal wedding in May - 'famously proved that women can play a high level of tennis from two months up to eight months'. 

She also joked that being matched against a pregnant player can distract opponents, writing: 'In the spirit of competition, now is the time to make the most of them holding back.'  

Williams, who is back on the circuit after having her daughter Alexis - and dispatched with Dutchwoman Arantxa Rus in straight sets on the opening day of Wimbledon yesterday - won the Australian Open while in the early stages of her pregnancy. 

Tennis fan Pippa, seen in the stands at the French Open in Paris in  May, said Serena Williams proved 'women can play a high level of tennis from two months [pregnant] up to eight months' 

Tennis fan Pippa, seen in the stands at the French Open in Paris in  May, said Serena Williams proved 'women can play a high level of tennis from two months [pregnant] up to eight months' 

Rule in a Ralph Lauren wrap dress like Pippa

Is there anything that says summer like a floaty wrap dress? We think not!

This vintage-inspired pick, as spotted on Pippa Middleton in Paris, has gone straight to the top of our must have list!

Featuring a playful compass print, it really is a unique buy. We particularly love those on-trend ruched sleeves and chic midi-length hemline!

Shop the Ralph Lauren dress for yourself by clicking right! Don't delay, we know a future sell out piece when we see one!

Love the summery style, but not so keen on that designer price tag? Try out our edit below for the celeb look for less.

These romantic red picks will have you the envy of everyone you pass. Complete the look with some vintage shades and an on-trend straw bag - just like Pippa herself!

* PRICES MAY NOT BE AS ADVERTISED
Mother-of-one Serena Williams (seen on the first day of Wimbledon yesterday) won the Australian Open - her 23rd grand slam - while she was in the early stages of pregnancy

Mother-of-one Serena Williams (seen on the first day of Wimbledon yesterday) won the Australian Open - her 23rd grand slam - while she was in the early stages of pregnancy

'Few of us can relate to this elite excellence, but if you're a healthy, well-trained player with an uncomplicated pregnancy there's no reason why you can't continue a good level of tennis,' Pippa wrote in her column, according to a report in OK Magazine

Both Pippa and Serena were in the congregation when the now Duke and Duchess of Sussex exchanged vows in St George's Chapel at Windsor Castle on May 19th. 

Meghan was also joined by close friend Serena and her husband Alexis Ohanian to cheer on Prince Harry at the Audi Polo Challenge over the weekend.  

The famously athletic socialite, who has completed marathons and triathlons and is regularly seen out and about in her gym gear in London, said she has been playing regularly during her first and second trimesters. 

'Mostly doubles,' she said, 'which requires less side-to-side movement and intensity. I haven't been giving 100 per cent to every shot.'

The Duchess' younger sister said continuing to play her favourite sport can lead to 'improved placental growth, good weight management as well as reducing back pain, strengthening heart and blood vessels.' 

Pippa is famously athletic - she's seen here after completing a charity bike ride from London to Brighton in 2015

Pippa is famously athletic - she's seen here after completing a charity bike ride from London to Brighton in 2015

The sister of the Duchess of Cambridge also completed the GE Blenheim Triathlon in 2011

The sister of the Duchess of Cambridge also completed the GE Blenheim Triathlon in 2011

Pippa used her column in Waitrose Weekend to publicly confirm her pregnancy for the first time at the start of June, and revealed a glimpse of her regular exercise regime.    

Having escaped the severe morning sickness that her older sister Kate has suffered from during her own pregnancies, Pippa said she had been able to work out for 45 minutes three to four times a week depending on her energy levels, throughout the first trimester.

She would go to the gym for strengthening and conditioning, Pilates or yoga, but made sure her routines were lighter than usual.

'So far I've focused on glutes, backs and pelvic floor plus inner thigh and avoided any strenuous ab pull ups,' she explained at the time. 

On days when she wasn't at the gym, she would go cycling or walk with weights to make it more challenging.

Tennis ace Serena - a friend of the Duchess of Sussex - and her internet tycoon husband Alexis Ohanian were among the guests at Meghan and Harry's wedding in May 

Tennis ace Serena - a friend of the Duchess of Sussex - and her internet tycoon husband Alexis Ohanian were among the guests at Meghan and Harry's wedding in May 

Pippa and her husband James Matthews were also invited to Meghan and Harry's Windsor Castle wedding in May

Pippa and her husband James Matthews were also invited to Meghan and Harry's Windsor Castle wedding in May

Advertisement

Pippa Middleton is playing tennis while pregnant

The comments below have not been moderated.

The views expressed in the contents above are those of our users and do not necessarily reflect the views of MailOnline.

We are no longer accepting comments on this article.