FANS are only just realising why there is a pineapple on top of the Wimbledon trophy.
Carlos Alcaraz dethroned Novak Djokovic after a spectacular five-set epic to become the king of SW19 this afternoon.
Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz celebrates with the trophy after beating Novak Djokovic
Fans are only just realising why the trophy has a pineapple on the top
The Serbian legend’s 46-match winning streak on Centre Court – dating 10 years – was halted by a 1-6 7-6 6-1 3-6 6-4 victory for the brilliant 20-year-old Spaniard.
Djokovic broke down in tears afterwards as he received his runners-up trophy from Princess of Wales Kate Middleton while he was applauded by his wife Jelena and two of his children.
But as Alcaraz collected his prize, the famous pineapple on top of the extravagant Gentlemen’s Singles Trophy.
And some viewers were only just discovering why it was there in the first place.
The first-ever Wimbledon tournament began in 1877 and, at the time, the fruit was considered to be rare and exotic.
Christopher Columbus was the first person to bring a pineapple back to Europe from one of his expeditions in 1492 but it was not until the 20th century that it became popular.
A Wimbledon Museum spokesperson previously revealed that being given the fruit at a feast was considered a major honour back in the day and, therefore, the All England Club believed that a pineapple deserved to go on top of their trophy.
The spokesperson said: “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.
“The trophy is made of silver gilt, stands 18 inches (46cm) high, and is inscribed: ‘The All England Lawn Tennis Club Single Handed Championship of the World’.
“The names of all champions since the first, Spencer Gore in 1877, are engraved on the trophy, though a lack of space means champions since 2009 are commemorated on a black plinth with a silver ornamented band that now accompanies the cup.
“Since 1949 all champions have received a replica of the trophy to keep.”
The Champions receive a three-quarter size replica of the cup instead of the real thing, which is kept at SW19 throughout the year.
It was first presented in 1887 and now features a silver plinth around the bottom which includes inscriptions of past winners.
Wimbledon 2023 men’s FINAL LIVE: All the action from Centre Court
Wimbledon betting special: Tips, predictions and odds
