Jannik Sinner’s name is still on the scoreboard that overlooks centre court at Wimbledon – there ever since he defeated Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz in a three-hour thriller of a men’s final a year ago. The 24-year-old champion is no doubt hoping to make success at SW19 a tradition (his childhood idol, Roger Federer, won eight Wimbledon titles in his career) – a little like the intimate pre-tournament dinner Gucci now hosts in its ambassador’s honour in London each year.
Monday night saw Gucci-clad guests including Salma Hayek Pinault, Lila Moss and Kaytranada gather at Dante in Claridge’s for signature Negronis, followed by a summery supper of cucumber gazpacho and grilled Dover sole. The dessert – lemon sorbet served with candied lemon, strawberries and mint – was a note-perfect nod to the most traditional of Wimbledon treats, but the real hit came afterwards: a roving trolley serving made-to-order martinis.
If Sinner – who was just unveiled as the star of Gucci’s new Made in Italy campaign – is feeling any pressure as he prepares to return to SW19, there was no trace of it on Monday night, as he chatted easily with actors Naomi Ackie and Fabien Frankel. Though the legacy associated with Wimbledon is not lost on him – “you really feel the history and prestige of playing here,” Sinner told US Vogue ahead of the championships – he approaches it the same way he does any tournament. “I always say we don’t defend. We always try to go for it.”
