Why does the Wimbledon trophy have a pineapple on top of it?
Wimbledon's trophy features a pineapple on top which fans have been perplexed by.
Highlights from day 11 at Wimbledon
Eagled-eyed fans have noticed that on top of the prestigious Wimbledon trophy is a pineapple, prompting many to question its origins as Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz compete for the prize on Sunday. Only the men’s singles final winner is awarded the gold trophy, while the women compete for the Venus Rosewater Dish.
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But the Gentlemen’s Singles Trophy stands at 18 inches tall, reads: “The All England Lawn Tennis Club Single Handed Championship of the World” and perhaps surprisingly - has a golden pineapple perched on the very top. However, no one knows for sure how the pineapple earned such a prestigious place.
Each champion is in fact handed a three-quarter size replica with their names engraved on while the original which has stood the test of time after 132 years remains the property of the All England Club and resides in their museum.
Nobody is totally sure where the pineapple came from, though, but it is thought that the likeliest explanation is that the fruit was extremely in-demand and rare when the trophy and tournament first originated in 1887.
A spokesperson for the Wimbledon Museum explained that it was their working theory. "In the 17th century pineapples were impossible to grow in the UK and they had to be imported, so being presented with one at a feast was seen as a great compliment,” they said. "You might have seen pineapples being used on gateposts of stately homes as you travel around the UK. It's because of their rarity."
The Wimbledon website shares the same view: “The most plausible explanation for the presence of this unlikely fruit atop the most prestigious trophy in tennis is that, when The Championships began in the latter half of the 19th century, pineapples were prized as a rare and exclusive food.
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“Although Christopher Columbus brought a pineapple back from his 1492 expedition to the New World pineapples remained expensive to import to, or grow in, western Europe, until commercial production began in Hawaii in the early 1900s. Serving them was thus an indication of high status.”
All the names of previous winners are inscribed on the metal but a lack of space has meant that winners since 2009 are now commemorated on a plinth that goes alongside the cup.
Djokovic will be looking to tie Roger Federer as the player to have lifted the trophy - and pineapple - the most times, as the Swiss legend currently leads the way with eight titles, Djokovic is tied with Pete Sampras on seven. Alcaraz will be looking to prevent him though and claim his maiden title to walk away with not just the elusive trophy, but also a mysterious pineapple that stands on top.
