Why is there a pineapple on the Wimbledon 2022 trophy?

The Australian tennis pro lost to champion Novak Djokovic on Sunday, July 10, 2022, with the UK tennis tournament drawing to a close for another year.

Not only did Djokovic bag £2 million for winning the final, as well as his earnings from previous rounds, but the player also had the chance to lift the Men’s Singles trophy.

The sportsman also let Prince George hold the trophy briefly, but many were confused by one specific detail on it—the pineapple.

Here’s everything you need to know about the Men’s Single’s trophy.

Why is there a pineapple on the Wimbledon trophy?

No one has ever officially confirmed why there is a pineapple at the top of the Wimbledon trophy, but many believe it is due to pineapples being a rare and exotic fruit in the late 19th century.

It was believed that those in ownership of one were wealthy and successful. Therefore, it may have been seen as a status symbol a fitting emblem to be placed atop the prestigious trophy when the championships began on July 9, 1877.

The Wimbledon website states: “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.

“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.”

What is the Wimbledon trophy made of and what else features on it?

The Wimbledon trophy measures 46cm high and is made of silver gilt.

On it, you’ll see “The All England Lawn Tennis Club Single Handed Championship of the World” inscribed.

Every single Wimbledon champion’s name is engraved on the trophy, which dates back to the first winner Stephen Gore in 1877.

Winners from 2009 onwards feature on the black plinth underneath it, but players do not get to leave with the trophy.

Instead, each winner from 1949 onwards has been given a replica of the trophy to keep.