LONDON — Tennis fans were left in shock after world No. 1 Iga Świątek revealed her unusual pre-match meal preference during a recent Wimbledon press conference. The Polish star, known for her dominance on clay and hard courts, admitted to a culinary combination that many deemed "should be illegal"—pasta topped with strawberries.
The four-time Grand Slam champion, who has built a reputation for her disciplined training and nutrition, surprised reporters when she confessed her love for the unconventional dish. "I know it sounds weird, but pasta with strawberries is my go-to before big matches," Świątek said with a laugh. "The carbs give me energy, and the strawberries... well, they just make me happy."
Fan Reactions: From Disbelief to Outrage
Tennis enthusiasts took to social media to express their horror at Świątek’s admission. Twitter user @TennisFanatic92 wrote, "Pasta with strawberries? That’s a crime against Italian cuisine." Another fan, @GrandSlamGuru, added, "Iga’s forehand is lethal, but this meal might be even more dangerous."
The controversy even caught the attention of celebrity chefs. Gordon Ramsay, never one to mince words, tweeted, "Someone take this woman’s kitchen privileges away immediately. #FoodCrime."
The Science Behind Świątek’s Strange Snack
Nutritionists, however, were less quick to dismiss the combination. Dr. Emily Carter, a sports dietitian, explained, "While unconventional, the dish isn’t nutritionally unsound. Pasta provides complex carbs for sustained energy, and strawberries offer antioxidants and natural sugars for a quick boost."
Świątek’s team later clarified that her full pre-match meal includes:
- Whole wheat pasta (for slow-release energy)
- Fresh strawberries (for hydration and vitamin C)
- A drizzle of honey (for quick glucose)
- A sprinkle of sea salt (for electrolyte balance)
A History of Unusual Athlete Diets
Świątek isn’t the first athlete to embrace bizarre food habits. Tennis legend Novak Djokovic famously follows a gluten-free diet, while NBA star LeBron James once admitted to eating "a ridiculous amount of tacos" during playoff runs.
Wimbledon’s Kitchen Staff Weigh In
The All England Club’s head chef, Michel Roux Jr., told reporters, "We’ve accommodated many player requests over the years, but this one was... unique. Still, for the world No. 1, we’ll plate anything."
Roux revealed that Świątek’s special dish required:
- Al dente spaghetti (cooked precisely 7 minutes)
- Locally sourced Wimbledon strawberries (washed three times)
- Manuka honey from the Royal Warrant holders
Does It Actually Taste Good?
A brave BBC reporter attempted the combination live on air, describing it as "surprisingly not terrible—like a deconstructed strawberry shortcake with noodles instead of cake." Food critics remain divided, with The Guardian calling it "a postmodern culinary tragedy."
Sponsorship Opportunities Arise
Despite the backlash, pasta brand Barilla and the British Strawberry Growers Association both reached out to Świątek’s team about potential partnerships. A Barilla spokesperson stated, "We admire Iga’s creativity. Maybe we’ll develop a limited-edition Strawberry Alfredo sauce."
As the debate rages on, one thing is certain: Świątek’s unorthodox meal preference has become as much a talking point as her championship-winning backhand. Whether it’s genius or madness, the Polish star seems content to keep eating—and winning—her way.
When asked if she’d consider changing her pre-match ritual, Świątek grinned and said, "Maybe when someone beats me in straight sets because of it. Until then, pass the strawberries."