WINNING Wimbledon is one of the greatest feats a tennis player can achieve, with the men’s champion presented with a spectacular trophy.
Here we take a look at the history of the cup presented to the Gentlemen’s Singles champion — and why there’s a pineapple at its peak.
The Wimbledon Gentlemen’s Singles Trophy is one of the most iconic prizes in the world of sport, instantly recognisable by its elegant design and the somewhat curious pineapple ornament perched on top of its lid.
The trophy itself was first introduced in 1887, replacing earlier incarnations that had been permanently won by players after consecutive championship triumphs.
Crafted by the prestigious silversmith firm Elkington & Co., the trophy stands 18 inches tall and weighs approximately three and a half kilograms.
It is made of silver gilt and bears the inscription: “The All England Lawn Tennis Club Single Handed Championship of the World.”
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Champions receive a three-quarter size replica of the cup instead of the real thing, which is kept at SW19 throughout the year.
But it’s the pineapple pinnacle that draws the most attention and curiosity.
To understand why this particular fruit was chosen, it helps to consider the cultural context of the late 19th century.
During the Victorian era, pineapples were not the common fruit we know today.
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Instead, they were rare, exotic and expensive, often imported at great cost from tropical regions.
Because of their scarcity and the difficulty involved in cultivating them in Europe, pineapples became a symbol of wealth and luxury.
They were often used as decorative motifs in architecture, furniture and silverware to convey status and welcome.
Displaying a pineapple was a way to show generosity and high social standing.
It was associated with warmth and hospitality, signalling to guests that they were honoured and valued.
This symbolism made the pineapple an ideal emblem to adorn the Wimbledon trophy, which represents not only sporting excellence, but also the prestige and tradition of the All England Club.
Nobody is one-hundred percent sure why the trophy features the pineapple.
But a spokesperson for the Wimbledon Museum backed up this 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.
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“You might have seen pineapples being used on gateposts of stately homes as you travel around the UK. It’s because of their rarity.”
So while no official record explicitly states why the pineapple was chosen for the Wimbledon trophy, historians widely accept that its inclusion was meant to reflect these values of exclusivity and graciousness.
