Why Do Women Not Get A Trophy Like Men At Wimbledon

5 Min Read

Wimbledon is more than just a tennis tournament; it’s a tradition, and for many, the ultimate stage in tennis. Every July, millions turn in to see who will be crowned champion on the famous Centre Court. This year, Jannik Sinner was crowned the men’s singles champion while Iga Swiatek finally broke her no-win curse and claimed the women’s singles title.

But if you watched the trophy ceremony, you might have noticed something odd: the men’s winner lifts a golden cup, while the women’s winner gets a large, ornate plate called the Venus Rosewater Dish. So, why don’t women at Wimbledon get a trophy like the men? Let’s break it down.

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What Do Men And Women Get At Wimbledon?

Why Do Women Not Get A Trophy Like Men At Wimbledon
Jannik Sinner (PC: Wimbledon)

First, let’s talk about what the winners actually get. The men’s singles champion receives the iconic Gentlemen’s Singles Trophy, a classic golden cup with handles, standing tall and proud. It’s engraved with “The All England Lawn Tennis Club Single Handed Championship of the World.” It’s a symbol of victory that’s been around since 1887, and it’s what most people imagine when they think of a sports trophy.

Why Do Women Not Get A Trophy Like Men At Wimbledon
Iga Swiatek (PC: Wimbledon)

Now, the women’s champion gets the Venus Rosewater Dish. At first, it might seem like a consolation prize or even a fancy dinner plate, but there’s a lot more to it than meets the eye. The dish is a beautifully decorated silver salver, crafted in 1864 and inspired by Renaissance art. At its center is a figure of “Temperance,” holding a lamp and a jug, symbols of virtue and restraint. The dish is not just a trophy; it’s a piece of art, full of meaning and tradition.

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So, Why The Difference?

Why Do Women Not Get A Trophy Like Men At Wimbledon
Iga Swiatek and Amanda Anisimova (PC: Wimbledon)

The answer lies is simple in the history and the traditions of Victorian England. Back in the late 1800s, when women first started competing at Wimbledon (the Ladies’ Singles was added in 1884), it was common to give women more decorative and “feminine” prizes. Early women’s winners sometimes received flower baskets, bracelets, or other ornate gifts. The Venus Rosewater Dish was introduced as a step up from those, becoming a symbol of achievement and elegance for women in tennis.

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Wimbledon 2025 (PC: Wimbledon)

The men’s trophy, on the other hand, followed the classic idea of a sports cup, something you could raise above your head in triumph. This difference wasn’t about the value of the achievement, but rather about the social norms and expectations of the time. Victorian society saw men and women very differently, and that was reflected in the prizes they received.

Fast forward to today, and both trophies have become iconic in their own right. The Venus Rosewater Dish is instantly recognizable and has become a dream for every female tennis player. Many fans and players now see it as one of the most beautiful trophies in sports, with its own special history and prestige.

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But Does This Difference Still Make Sense?

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Image: Threads

That’s a question a lot of people ask. In terms of prize money, Wimbledon has already made things equal; both the men’s and women’s singles champions take home the same amount. But the trophies remain different, mainly because of tradition. Wimbledon is that one tournament that loves its traditions, and changing the trophies would be a big deal.

Some see the dish as a symbol of outdated gender roles, while others celebrate it as a unique and beautiful part of the tournament’s heritage. For now, the Venus Rosewater Dish remains the prize for women, standing alongside the men’s cup as a reminder of both how far tennis has come and how much of its history still shapes the game today.

So next time you see the Wimbledon winners holding up their trophies, remember: it’s not just about what they’re lifting, but the long story behind it. The dish and the cup each tell their own tale, a mix of tradition, artistry, and the ever-changing world of sport.

Also Read: All Records Jannik Sinner Made And Stopped At Wimbledon 2025