LONDON — The All England Club rolled out the red carpet—literally—for this year’s Wimbledon Champions’ Dinner, where newly crowned winners Jannik Sinner and Iga Swiatek celebrated their victories in style. The lavish affair, held at the historic Guildhall in London, showcased a meticulously curated menu, elegant fashion, and a night of celebration for tennis’s brightest stars.
A Feast Fit for Champions
The dinner, a tradition dating back to Wimbledon’s early years, is a highlight of the tournament’s post-final celebrations. This year’s menu, revealed by British doubles star Neal Skupski, featured a blend of British classics and modern culinary artistry. Guests were treated to:
- Starter: Heritage tomato and burrata salad with basil oil and sourdough croutons
- Main: Roasted Cornish lamb with wild garlic jus, accompanied by seasonal vegetables and dauphinoise potatoes
- Dessert: Strawberry and vanilla mille-feuille—a nod to Wimbledon’s iconic strawberries and cream
Skupski, who attended the event after his mixed doubles victory, described the atmosphere as "electric—everyone was in high spirits, and the food was absolutely world-class."
Swiatek and Sinner Shine in Style
Both champions arrived in elegant attire, with Swiatek opting for a sleek, off-the-shoulder navy gown and Sinner donning a tailored midnight-blue suit. Swiatek, who claimed her first Wimbledon title, was visibly emotional during the evening. "This is a dream come true," she told reporters. "To be here, surrounded by such legends, is something I’ll never forget."
A Night of Tributes
The evening wasn’t just about fine dining—it also included heartfelt speeches. All England Club chairman Ian Hewitt praised both champions for their sportsmanship and skill. Sinner, who defeated Novak Djokovic in a thrilling final, received a standing ovation when he took the microphone. "Wimbledon has always been special to me, and to stand here as champion is beyond words," he said.
Behind the Scenes: Crafting the Menu
The menu was designed by renowned chef Michel Roux Jr., who worked closely with Wimbledon’s catering team to ensure a flawless experience. Roux emphasized the importance of local ingredients, sourcing the lamb from Cornwall and strawberries from Kent. "We wanted to celebrate British produce while keeping it refined," he explained.
The dessert, in particular, was a showstopper. Pastry chef Sarah Barber revealed that the mille-feuille contained over 200 layers of delicate pastry, each hand-brushed with vanilla-infused cream. "It’s a labor of love, but for these champions, nothing less would do," she said.
A Legacy of Celebration
The Champions’ Dinner has long been a staple of Wimbledon’s traditions, with past menus including everything from Beef Wellington to lobster thermidor. This year’s event also paid homage to history, with a display of vintage menus from the 1920s and 1930s.
Among the attendees were former champions like Roger Federer and Martina Navratilova, who mingled with the new generation of stars. Federer, a eight-time Wimbledon winner, shared a lighthearted moment with Sinner, joking, "Now you know why I kept coming back—the food is almost as good as the trophy!"
Looking Ahead
As the night drew to a close, Swiatek and Sinner posed for photos with their trophies, marking the end of a memorable tournament. Both players expressed gratitude to their teams and fans, with Swiatek adding, "This is just the beginning. I can’t wait to come back next year and defend this title."
For now, the champions can savor their victories—both on and off the court. As Sinner put it, "Tonight is about celebrating the hard work, the sacrifices, and the incredible journey that brought us here."