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Winning Wimbledon is often considered the pinnacle of achievement in tennis. As the sport's oldest and most revered Grand Slam tournament, dating back to 1877, Wimbledon boasts a legacy unmatched in prestige. Every year, the champions on Centre Court are crowned not only with glory and record-breaking prize money—£3 million each for the men’s and women’s singles winners in 2025—but also with uniquely symbolic trophies. Interestingly, while the men’s champion lifts a traditional golden cup, the women’s winner receives the iconic Venus Rosewater Dish. But why the difference?
The Venus Rosewater Dish: A symbol of elegance and historic tradition
Unlike the men’s trophy, the Venus Rosewater Dish was conceived as part of a long-standing tradition of awarding more ornate and decorative prizes to women. Eleanor Thomas, collections manager at the Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Museum, once explained:
“Unlike the men’s trophy, the Venus Rosewater Dish reflects a tradition of awarding more decorative prizes to women. Early women’s prizes included flower baskets and bracelets, but the dish has since transcended these to become a symbol of achievement in its own right.”
The dish, crafted in 1864 by Elkington and Co. in Birmingham, is a detailed replica of a Renaissance-style plate by German artisan Caspar Enderlein, itself inspired by the works of French sculptor François Briot. At the center of the silver salver is a female figure representing “Temperance,” holding a lamp and jug, symbolizing virtue and restraint.
Around her, the design features the four classical elements—earth, water, air, and fire—and, along the rim, depictions of the seven liberal arts: grammar, rhetoric, logic, geometry, arithmetic, music, and astrology. These elements not only highlight intellectual virtue but also elevate the dish beyond mere ornamentation—it is a ceremonial artifact of profound meaning. Although the original remains at Wimbledon, winners receive a smaller replica to cherish.
The Gentlemen’s Singles Trophy: A nod to prestige and tradition
In contrast, the men’s singles champion receives the traditional Gentlemen’s Singles Trophy—a gleaming 18-inch high silver gilt cup that has been presented since 1887. It bears the engraving:
“The All England Lawn Tennis Club Single Handed Championship of the World.”
One of its most unique features is the golden pineapple perched atop the lid. While the reason for its presence isn’t entirely clear, Thomas notes:
“The pineapple was a symbol of luxury and hospitality in the Victorian era, something only the wealthy could afford. Historically, it was a popular motif at the time, but it doesn’t really have anything to do with Wimbledon or tennis. It does now, obviously.”
The trophy also carries the engraved names of every champion since its introduction. By 2009, space ran out, and a black plinth adorned with a silver band was added to continue the legacy. As with the women’s dish, champions don’t take home the original trophy—they are given a smaller-scale replica instead.
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