LONDON — Five-time Grand Slam champion Iga Swiatek is powering through Wimbledon with an unlikely fuel source: strawberries and pasta. The world No. 1, who has never won the grass-court major, revealed her unconventional dietary choices are helping her stay energized during her quest for the title.
Swiatek, known for her relentless baseline game and mental toughness, has long been open about her love for strawberries. But it’s her pairing of the fruit with pasta—a carb-heavy staple for athletes—that has raised eyebrows. "I eat strawberries before matches, and pasta after," she told reporters with a laugh. "It’s working so far!"
A Sweet and Savory Strategy
Nutritionists have weighed in on Swiatek’s approach, noting that while strawberries aren’t a typical pre-match snack, their natural sugars provide quick energy. Combined with the slow-release carbohydrates from pasta, the pairing ensures sustained performance. "It’s unorthodox, but it makes sense," said sports dietitian Dr. Emma Collins. "The key is balance."
Swiatek’s diet isn’t the only factor in her Wimbledon run. Her adaptability on grass—a surface she once struggled on—has improved dramatically. Since hiring coach Tomasz Wiktorowski in 2022, she has refined her footwork and slice, making her a formidable opponent even on her least-favorite surface.
The Strawberry Connection
Swiatek’s affection for strawberries isn’t new. She has mentioned them in interviews for years, often crediting them for keeping her calm under pressure. "There’s something about the taste that just relaxes me," she said. "Maybe it’s nostalgia—I ate them a lot as a kid."
Her pre-match routine includes:
- A small bowl of fresh strawberries
- A light stretch session
- Listening to rock music (often Led Zeppelin)
Nutritionists Weigh In
While Swiatek’s diet isn’t textbook, experts say it aligns with elite athletes’ needs. "Strawberries provide antioxidants and hydration, while pasta replenishes glycogen stores," explained Dr. Collins. "If it works for her, why change it?"
The Wimbledon Dream
Swiatek has never advanced past the quarterfinals at Wimbledon, but this year, she’s playing with renewed confidence. "I feel like I’m finally figuring out grass," she admitted. "It’s taken time, but I’m getting there."
Her recent dominance on clay (with four French Open titles) and hard courts (a US Open win in 2022) has only fueled speculation that a Wimbledon crown is within reach. If she succeeds, she’ll join an elite group of players to win majors on all three surfaces.
The Road Ahead
Swiatek’s next challenge will be maintaining her stamina through the tournament’s grueling schedule. "Grass is unpredictable," she said. "But I’m ready for whatever comes."
With strawberries in her bag and pasta on her plate, Swiatek is proving that sometimes, the most unconventional strategies yield the greatest results. Whether it’s enough to secure her first Wimbledon title remains to be seen—but for now, she’s enjoying the ride.
As she put it: "Tennis is about finding what works for you. For me, that’s strawberries, pasta, and a lot of hard work." If her current form is any indication, that recipe might just lead her to glory.