LONDON — Strawberries hold a special place in Wimbledon tradition. But strawberries and pasta?
Iga Swiatek explained that it's a dish from her native Poland.
''Why is it such a big thing? Everybody should eat that,'' a smiling Swiatek said after her third-round victory over Danielle Collins on Saturday. ''I think in summer kids are eating it a lot. I don't know. It's just a perfect mix of tastes.''
The All England Club estimates that more than 35 tons of strawberries — usually with cream — are eaten each year during the two-week tournament. Spectators can buy strawberry-inspired merchandise all over the grounds.
The five-time Grand Slam champion mentioned the combination during her on-court interview, urging fans ''you should try it guys — pasta, strawberries, a little bit of yogurt." She later posted a photo on her Instagram account that showed a bowl of pasta and strawberries.
A journalist quizzed her about who has better strawberries, Poland or England?
''Honestly, I think Poland," Swiatek said. "Because we have better climate for strawberries, right? Now Wimbledon is probably going to ban me from answering these questions.''
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