2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Jannik Sinner and Iga Swiatek shake a leg at Wimbledon Champions' Dinner: All about the off-court tradition
The competition stays at court, the camaraderie continues on the dance floor!
The singles winners (men's and women's) at Wimbledon 2025, Jannik Sinner and Iga Swiatek, wowed the world in their tennis whites before they got glammed up for the traditional Champions' Dinner.
Italy's Jannik Sinner got the better of Carlos Alcaraz in the Gentlemen's singles summit clash and lifted the Gentlemen's Singles trophy on Sunday, while Poland's Iga Swiatek breezed past Amanda Anisimova in the championship clash in the women's section on Saturday. After all the hard work and sweet success, both the champions were pictured in high spirits during the ceremonial dinner gala following their triumph at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club.
Every year, Wimbledon champions from the men's and women's singles are honored not only with trophies but with a coveted spot at the Champions' Dinner and Ball, where they're expected to share a dance.
Let's delve deeper into the tradition where the two take the center stage and shake a leg!
Takes two to uphold tradition!
Well, it ain't Tango! But that doesn't mean the two champions can't hold the attention of the onlookers and leave them impressed!
Wimbledon's Champions' Dinner and the accompanying dance have their roots in the club's illustrious history.
Though once mandatory, the dance faded for decades after the mid‑70s, resurfacing only occasionally.
In 2015, it was famously revived when Novak Djokovic danced with Serena Williams, and again in 2018 with Djokovic and Angelique Kerber – proving the resilience of a stylish tradition.
In 2024, Carlos Alcaraz and Barbora Krejčíková brought it back again, sparking joy (and a little awkwardness) among players and fans alike!
Fun and flamboyance: All in good spirits
Now, although both the champions carved their names on the list of Wimbledon champions – they're far from being a pro when it comes to a dance floor and not a tennis court! Both Sinner and Świątek admitted they weren't exactly Fred Astaire.
In fact, Sinner had cheekily described the dance as a 'problem,' joking: 'I'm not really good at dancing. But come on… I can handle it!'
On the other hand, Świątek reportedly buried her face in her hands upon realizing she'd have to dance, echoing Alcaraz's own pre-ball jitters!
But even the amateurs start swaying when the music starts! Once the music started, their smiles and swift footwork – both showed that sheer enthusiasm can trump meticulous technique any day!
The gala, the glamour
At the 2025 Champions' Dinner and Ball, Sinner and Świątek took center stage under the grand venue's chandelier light. Sinner was donned and looked dapper in a classic black tuxedo, while Świątek opted for muted sophistication in a glamorous silver‑purple gown – spinning, laughing, and creating a social‑media sensation!
While upholding and continuing tradition might have demanded a tad bit more legwork on their part than their usual training – the lighthearted moments shared by the champions and the spectators captured what the 'Ball' symbolizes: celebration, connection, and the softer side of sport.
The beginning of it might have had a few hiccups. A bit of awkwardness? Maybe. But did it have its own wonders? Absolutely! After all, both the champions – Sinner and Świątek – kept in mind what Professor McGonagall had said about the Yule Ball – A ball is always an opportunity for "well-mannered frivolity!"
