LONDON (AP) 鈥 Strawberries hold a special place in Wimbledon tradition. But strawberries and pasta?

Iga Swiatek explained that it's a dish from her native Poland.

鈥淲hy is it such a big thing? Everybody should eat that,鈥 a smiling Swiatek said after her third-round victory over Danielle Collins on Saturday. 鈥淚 think in summer kids are eating it a lot. I don鈥檛 know. It鈥檚 just a perfect mix of tastes.鈥

The All England Club estimates that more than 35 tons of strawberries 鈥 usually with cream 鈥 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 鈥測ou should try it guys 鈥 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?

鈥淗onestly, 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.鈥

___

AP tennis:

The 好色tv Press. All rights reserved.