Jannik Sinner returns Wimbledon trophy just after victory
Jannik Sinner was forced to give back his Wimbledon trophy less than an hour after winning the prestigious prize at Centre Court on Sunday, reports BritPanorama.
The world No 1 successfully defended his crown with a four-set victory over Alexander Zverev, securing the fifth Grand Slam title of his career and sparking emotional celebrations in south-west London. However, the tradition of the All England Club dictates that the original trophy remains in their possession, with champions receiving only a smaller replica for personal use.
This rule, established in the 1880s, ensures that all men’s singles champions must return the iconic trophy following their win. The practice was initiated after William Renshaw won the Field Cup and the Challenge Cup outright by claiming victory for three consecutive years, prompting the organisers to safeguard future trophies.
Despite Sinner’s consecutive titles, his time with the original trophy was always going to be limited. Following the trophy presentation, Sinner was escorted through the Centre Court tunnel, where he viewed the updated honours board displaying his name among Wimbledon champions. He then met the Prince and Princess of Wales, alongside Prince George and Princess Charlotte, before returning to pose for photographs on the Centre Court balcony. Sinner also enjoyed a private celebration with his coaching team, including Darren Cahill, while proudly holding the smaller replica of the famous trophy.
Viewers of the BBC’s coverage noted the moment when the celebrations came to an abrupt end as the All England Club chief executive, Sally Bolton, appeared to collect the original trophy. Former British No 1 Tim Henman quipped, “He’s done well to hold on to the trophy that long,” highlighting the unique nature of the tournament’s trophy rules.
Presenter Clare Balding explained the situation: “That’s it for another year. He’ll get the three-quarter-sized replica which will go home with him.” Earlier, Sinner had expressed his pride after successfully defending his title, thanking his team for their support. “We prepared in the best possible way, me and my team,” Sinner noted, acknowledging the challenges of such high-stakes competition.
“Being a player it’s not easy, you know? But in the same time it’s been an amazing final once again,” he added, paying tribute to runner-up Zverev and praising the Centre Court crowd for creating what he described as the best atmosphere in tennis. “There is no better place honestly to play tennis, standing here,” Sinner concluded, reflecting on the reality of competing at such a prestigious event.
In many ways, Sinner’s experience is a reminder of the delicate balance between achievement and tradition in this storied tournament — a fleeting moment of triumph paired with the awareness that in the world of tennis, the symbolism of a trophy is as enduring as the competition itself.
