WINNING Wimbledon is one of the greatest feats a tennis player can achieve, with the men’s champion presented with a spectacular trophy.

Here we take a look at the history of the cup presented to the Gentlemen’s Singles champion and why there’s a pineapple at its peak.

Sunday Times

He defeated tennis GOAT Novak Djokovic to lift the Trophy on both occasions[/caption]

The Wimbledon Gentlemen’s Singles Trophy is one of the most iconic prizes in the world of sport, instantly recognisable by its elegant design and the somewhat curious pineapple ornament perched on top of its lid.

The trophy itself was first introduced in 1887, replacing earlier incarnations that had been permanently won by players after consecutive championship triumphs.

Crafted by the prestigious silversmith firm Elkington & Co., the trophy stands 18 inches tall and weighs approximately three and a half kilograms.

It is made of silver gilt and bears the inscription: “The All England Lawn Tennis Club Single Handed Championship of the World.”

Champions receive a three-quarter size replica of the cup instead of the real thing, which is kept at SW19 throughout the year.

But it’s the pineapple pinnacle that draws the most attention and curiosity.

To understand why this particular fruit was chosen, it helps to consider the cultural context of the late 19th century.

During the Victorian era, pineapples were not the common fruit we know today.

Instead, they were rare, exotic and expensive, often imported at great cost from tropical regions.

Because of their scarcity and the difficulty involved in cultivating them in Europe, pineapples became a symbol of wealth and luxury.

They were often used as decorative motifs in architecture, furniture and silverware to convey status and welcome.

Displaying a pineapple was a way to show generosity and high social standing.

It was associated with warmth and hospitality, signalling to guests that they were honoured and valued.

This symbolism made the pineapple an ideal emblem to adorn the Wimbledon trophy, which represents not only sporting excellence, but also the prestige and tradition of the All England Club.

Nobody is one-hundred percent sure why the trophy features the pineapple.

But a spokesperson for the Wimbledon Museum backed up this theory: “In the 17th century pineapples were impossible to grow in the UK and they had to be imported, so being presented with one at a feast was seen as a great compliment.

“You might have seen pineapples being used on gateposts of stately homes as you travel around the UK. It’s because of their rarity.”

So while no official record explicitly states why the pineapple was chosen for the Wimbledon trophy, historians widely accept that its inclusion was meant to reflect these values of exclusivity and graciousness.

BARGAIN hunters have gone wild for a “luxury” £55 cabin bag that is scanning for just £20 in Matalan.

And if you are heading off to your holidays they are a perfect fit for Virgin and British Airway flights.

Matalan

The range of luggage has a touch of gold luxury[/caption]

Matalan

The cabin bag from the range is on sale inside stores only[/caption]

So if you’re lucky enough to be jetting abroad any time soon, but don’t want to fork out for a pricey hold bag, you’ve come to the right place.

The Cabin Bag

One savvy shopper posted a pic of the suitcase on Facebook with the caption: “Matalan stores . Instore only Bargain £20”

The post has since amassed over 100 likes, and shoppers were quick to share their thoughts, with one person writing: “Where can I buy this?

Another said: “I bought two of these yesterday!”

The cabin bag in question is the IT Luggage Black Desirable Soft Suitcase and it costs £55 online.

But if you go into the store you can grab it for only £20 which is a massive saving – especially if you buy more than one.

Because Matalan is offering a selected number of cabin cases in store at a discounted price of £20 but it’s subject to availability – so be quick.

The Details

The case has luxury gold detailing and comes with a 10 year warranty.

It is designed with a diagonal quilting fashion emboss and unique EVA moulded front panels that create stunning appeal and great protection.

It also comes with an easy-access front pocket so that you can keep all your essentials close with the large zippered pocket located on the front of the case. 

And it comes in a range of colours including grey, sand and navy.

There is also a hard case option in black, green and lilac which has a tried and tested tough design to withstand the rigours of travel.

Other Luggage Options

The Range is selling a £25.99 cabin bag on wheels that makes packing a breeze & it even fits Ryanair’s strict rules.

Even better – the multi-functional Bordlite Cabin Approved Rucksack can be used as a rucksack or wheeled travel bag, so it’s just the ticket for long journeys.

B&M is also selling an “ace” cabin bag for just £6 – and it’ could double as the perfect hand luggage’s even Ryainair-approved.

And Primark is selling the “perfect underseat suitcase”, which looks ideal if you are planning a weekend getaway.

The perfectly proportioned bag has been designed to fit under the seat in front on a plane if you are trying to save cash on a hold or cabin bag.

Finally, shoppers are legging it to get to their nearest Home Bargains store, keen to get their hands on brand new cabin bags.

HOME Bargains is working hard this year to ensure your home is bug-free this summer, with a cheap new homeware essential.

After experts announced the forthcoming Flying Ant Day could be one of the biggest in recent years, here’s everything you need to know about Home Bargains latest must-have.

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Flying Ant Day is fast approaching, here’s how to stop them getting in your home[/caption]

Although the British weather is never that predictable, the recent weeks of high heat have left many feeling a bit flustered.

To stay cool, it is often recommended to ensure there is a enough airflow throughout the home.

However, with the impending Flying Ant Day, opening all the windows and doors to get some air in also means pesky insects have been given an invitation to infiltrate your home.

But Home Bargains has fixed the conundrum with their latest must-have.

Their affordable Jardin Magnetic Insect Door Screen is a kitchen essential that will prevent bugs from infesting your home.

Home Bargains

Home Bargains’ Jardin Magnetic Insect Door Screen is cheap and easy to install[/caption]

Cheap trick to keep your home pest free

The budget-friendly retailer has solved one of summer’s biggest stumbling blocks – bugs.

For only £3.99 its new insect door screen allows homeowners to be able to open doors and let the air in while keeping the pesky bugs out.

The magnetic closing technology creates a sleek and easy user experience and is secure enough to stop even the most persistent pests.

It is a breeze to install, as it requires no tools, meaning it can be put up without a second thought, and at that price, it’s almost a no-brainer.

What’s more, while the weather is making us feel like we’re on the continent, why not transport your home there too with it’s sleek Spanish inspired design.

The lace detail, coupled with the black colouring, reflects a sense of the Iberian style and makes it both fashionable and functional.

Biggest flying ant day in recent memory

Homeowners are pulling out all the stops to keep insects out this summer, as experts suggest this could be the biggest Flying Ant Day in recent memory.

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Ants crawling on a kitchen counter.[/caption]

Flying Ant Day is the annual mating flight of millions of ants, when they fly through the skies in synchronised displays.

While this may sound like a sight to behold, it’s never nice to have the little insects crawling around your home.

There are various ways to help keep the pests at bay, but when coupled with Home Bargains’ new affordable solution, it’s hard to think how the bugs will be able to get in.

What’s more unlike some chemical options, this screen does not cause the ants harm, and so it is the perfect solution.

Paul Blackhurst, Head of the Technical Academy at Rentokil Pest Control, explained: “While flying ants may disrupt your picnic, barbeque, or pub garden pint, they play a vital role in the ecosystem.

“This natural event, when vast numbers of winged ants, known as alates, take to the skies at once in search of mates from other colonies, could be one of the most prolific for years.”

CENTER Parcs has opened a new treetop experience at one of their holiday parks in the UK – the first of its kind for the resort.

Opening at Longleat July 1, Adventure Nets allows families to “bounce, balance, leap and climb through the stunning redwood canopy”, according to Center Parcs.

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Center Parcs has opened a new treetop experience at Longleat Forest in Wiltshire with trampolines and high ropes[/caption]

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Adventure Nets allows families to “bounce, balance, leap and climb through the stunning redwood canopy”[/caption]

The attraction features a number of treehouses that are connected by suspended nets, seven metres in the air.

Visitors can crawl through tunnels, cross rope bridges and enjoy a trampoline area at the attraction too.

Families on the course can also use TAG Active technology which allows guests to ‘tag’ beacons around the course and play TAG games such as treasure hunts in their hour-session.

Sarah Deverill, village director at Center Parcs, said: “We’re thrilled to launch our first-ever Adventure Nets attraction which will allow kids to connect with nature in a daring way, building their confidence and sense of adventure immersed amongst the stunning redwood at Longleat Forest.

“Our team have worked around the clock to ensure the experience is ready to welcome families to bounce, climb and laugh their way through the treetops this summer.”

The Adventure Nets are available to pre-book for all Longleat Forest guests and is open to children aged three and older.

In total, each session is 70-minutes long – which includes a 10-minute safety briefing, followed by 60-minutes of play.

Center Parcs’ site at Longleat Forest is located within an ancient woodland.

The park has multiple activities on offer, including a themed gold adventure and escape rooms.

There are also a number of restaurants at the site.

For those looking for a bit of R&R, there is the Aqua Sana Forest Spa – boasting 24 spa experiences including the ‘Forest Cavern’ and the ‘Moonlight Steam Room’.

One recent visitor said: “A beautiful setting and fun-packed few days, we didn’t want to leave!

“The lodge was clean and comfortable, staff super-friendly, and choice of things to do varied, but the swimming pool was the best!”

Center Parcs also recently revealed the plans for its first Scotland site.

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The attraction features a number of treehouses that are connected by suspended nets, seven metres in the air[/caption]

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In total, each session is 70-minutes long – which includes a 10-minute safety briefing, followed by 60-minutes of play[/caption]

Proposals include waterside lodges, apartments, lochs, Aqua Sana Forest Spa, Subtropical Swimming Paradise, Sports Plaza, and a Nature and Heritage Centre.

In total, the park is expected to feature around 700 lodges.

The Scottish village will also include a number of indoor and outdoor activities, retail outlets, bars, restaurants, and signature swimming and spa attractions.

Plus, the affordable UK holiday park mums say is like Center Parcs without the price tag.

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Center Parcs also recently revealed the plans for its first Scotland site[/caption]

A Karen refugee from Myanmar was suspected of the murder of his Thai employer in Chiang Mai’s Mae Chaem district before fleeing to a refugee centre in Mae Hong Son province. The incident took place on June 27 when police were alerted to a murder in a mountain orchard in Ban Mae Satop Tai, Mae …

The story Karen refugee suspected in brutal murder of Thai employer as seen on Thaiger News.

TACLOBAN CITY — The Northern Samar provincial government is eyeing a partnership with Tres Medica Inc., a private healthcare provider, to establish dialysis centers in the province. Jhon Allen Berbon, head of the Provincial Economic Development and Investment Promotions Office (PEDIPO), said they shifted their focus to the healthcare sector, discussing possible partnerships to bring

FANS will have to pay a bit extra for drinks and food at Wimbledon this year.

Prices have inflated once again for the highly-anticipated Grand Slam in south-west London.

The cost of a pint of draught beer has increased by 35p from last summer, with a pint of Stella Artois priced up at £8.85 and a Guinness costing £8.45.

Bottles of beer have also increased by 30p this time around.

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Outspoken Australian tennis star Nick Kyrgios has publicly criticised the BBC’s “very strange” decision to drop him from its coverage Wimbledon 2025.

His reaction was characteristically candid and laced with snarky comments about the broadcaster’s decision and his potential replacement.

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Nick Kyrgios is not part of the commentary team for this year’s Wimbledon[/caption]

Tennis bad boy Nick Kyrgios had been hoping to play at the All England Club for the first time since losing the 2022 final to Novak Djokovic.

However, The 30-year-old confirmed he would not be appearing because of a recurring injury.

What did Nick Kyrgios say?

He said on Instagram: “Just wanted to give everyone a quick update — l’ve hit a small setback in my recovery and unfortunately won’t make it back for grass season this year.

“I know how much you’ve all been looking forward to seeing me out there, and I’m genuinely sorry to disappoint.

“This is just a bump in the road though, and I’m already working hard to get back stronger than ever.

“Thank you for all your continued support — it means everything to me. See you soon!”

And on June 10, 2025, reports emerged that he won’t even be there as a commentator — which he has now confirmed.

Confidence in his own credentials

Despite this setback, Nick clearly believes in his commentating abilities, telling the Guardian: “I know I’m a great commentator. All I’ve done for 20 years is play, study and breathe this sport.

“I also think tennis needs commentators who say things that not everyone says”.

He argued that his extensive experience on the professional circuit, including victories over some of the sport’s greatest players, sets him apart from other pundits.

Criticism of the BBC and his replacement

Nick didn’t shy away from questioning the BBC’s decision, describing his exclusion as “unfortunate” and insisting: “it’s probably their loss more than mine”.

Referencing his apparent replacement on the commentary team, Nick said: “I understand they’ve got Chris Eubanks, but he hasn’t beaten the greatest of all time multiple times.

“When someone’s beaten Federer, Nadal, Murray and Djokovic and has incredible insights, it’s very strange you wouldn’t want that person adding knowledge to tennis fans”.

Eubanks’ best run at Wimbledon came in 2023, when he stunned the likes of Cameron Norrie and Stefanos Tsitsipas before losing in five sets to Daniil Medvedev in the quarter-finals.

I know I’m a great commentator. All I’ve done for 20 years is play, study and breathe this sport

Nick KyrgiosThe Guardian

But Nick hasn’t shut the door on working for the BBC again at some point in the future, explaining: “I’m sure our paths will cross again.

“I only ever want to add humour, some knowledge and some great atmosphere.”

Nick on Wimbledon

Despite his disappointment, Nick expressed his enduring affection for Wimbledon, recalling his breakthrough on the Grand Slam stage at the event in 2014 and describing it as “the pinnacle of tennis”.  

He also acknowledged feeling somewhat out of place at the tournament, saying: “I definitely feel like a snowman in the desert there, but I enjoy it”.

Although Nick has now pulled out of this year’s Roland Garros and Wimbledon, he is determined to resume playing this year.

He added: “Yes, for sure. I’m definitely playing the US swing and I’ll take it one day at a time.”

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Nick’s last match at Wimbledon was losing the 2022 final to Novak Djokovic[/caption]

Nick’s hiring by the BBC in 2024 was met with criticism by senior MPs and women’s campaigners.

Women and equalities committee chair Caroline Nokes said the broadcaster should “hang its head in shame”.

A BBC statement at the time said: “We are in no way condoning his cited previous actions or behaviours, on and off the court, and he is employed to share his views on tennis only.

“He has provided similar services to other major sports broadcasters in recent months.

“The legal process he was involved in has concluded, is well documented, and he has spoken about it publicly.”

In February 2023, Nick admitted to assaulting ex-girlfriend Chiara Passari.

But a magistrate in Canberra, Australia, said the 2021 incident was “a single act of stupidity or frustration” — sparing the sports star from receiving a criminal record.

The BBC is yet to issue an official public explanation for its decision.

A TOP Iranian cleric has issued a fatwa against President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu – calling for their deaths.

In the Islamic religious decree, Grand Ayatollah Naser Makarem Shirazi branded both leaders as “enemies of God”.

Shutterstock Editorial

The Iran State Radio and Television (IRIB) building hit by an Israeli strike[/caption]

AP

An explosion is seen during a missile attack in Tel Aviv, Israel[/caption]

AP

Israeli Iron Dome air defence system fires to intercept missiles over Tel Aviv[/caption]

Alamy

Grand Ayatollah Naser Makarem Shirazi is an Iranian Shia Marja and religious leader[/caption]

The  Shiite cleric issued the fatwa after the 12-Day war between Israel and Iran, which was also briefly joined by the US following American military strikes against Tehran.

It effectively states that Trump and Netanyahu “waged war against [Allah] and must be made to regret their words and actions.

“Those who threaten the leadership and integrity of the Islamic Ummah are to be considered [mohareb],” it added.

Under the Iranian under Iranian penal code, mohareb – someone who wages war against god – must be punished by “execution or crucifixion” or face “amputation of the right hand and left foot or exile”.

The fatwa also forbids any Muslim to cooperate with or support the two leaders – and says that any jihadist who is killed while attacking them will receive a reward from Allah, the New York Sun reports.

It reads: “It is necessary for all Muslims around the world to make these enemies regret their words and mistakes.

“[A] Muslim who abides by his Muslim duty and suffers hardship or loss in their campaign, they will  be rewarded as a fighter in the way of God, God willing.”

Critics of the Mullahs’ regime have condemned the fatwa, calling it a state-endorsed incitement to global terrorism.

Popular British-Iranian commentator Niyak Ghorbani said: “The West must realise: the Islamic Republic is not only targeting its own people — it is preparing for global violence in the name of religion.”

The fatwa comes just days after Trump said he saved Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei from an “ugly death”.

During the 12-Day War, the Israelis, on multiple occasions, suggested that targeting Ayatollah Khamenei was “not off the table”.

But Trump, who said he knew exactly where the supreme leader had been hiding, did not let the US forces or the IDF” assassinate Khamenei.

In a Truth Social post, Trump raged: “I SAVED HIM FROM A VERY UGLY AND IGNOMINIOUS DEATH.

“And he does not have to say, ‘THANK YOU, PRESIDENT TRUMP!’

“I knew EXACTLY where he was sheltered, and would not let Israel, or the U.S. Armed Forces, by far the Greatest and Most Powerful in the World, terminate his life.”

Trump also blasted the Ayatollah’s claims that Iran won the war.

He said: “Why would the so-called ‘Supreme Leader,’ Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, of the war-torn Country of Iran, say so blatantly and foolishly that he won the War with Israel, when he knows his statement is a lie, it is not so.

“As a man of great faith, he is not supposed to lie.”

Iran’s top mullah Khamenei, 86, claimed victory over Israel and America despite his country being hammered for almost two weeks.

He ludicrously claimed Iran had almost crushed Israel, and the government in Tel Aviv was on the verge of collapse.

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President Donald Trump speaks as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu waves following a meeting in the White House[/caption]

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Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei addresses the nation in Tehran, Iran on June 26[/caption]

That’s despite the IDF controlling the skies over Tehran, assassinating dozens of top generals and nuclear scientists, and destroying dozens of valuable missile batteries in just 12 days of fighting.

Khamenei also said that Iran had given the US a “severe slap” to its face and that it had “gained nothing” from the attack on Iran’s nuke plants.

The Ayatollah said: “The American regime entered a direct war because it felt that if it did not, the Zionist regime would be completely destroyed.

“However, it gained no achievements from this war.

“Here, too, the Islamic Republic emerged victorious, and in return, the Islamic Republic delivered a severe slap to America’s face.”

Trump floated the idea of a regime change in Tehran to “Make Iran Great Again” after bombing the Islamic Republic.

Less than a day after the US military blitzed three key facilities central to the Iranian regime’s nuclear ambitions, Trump hinted that the Mullahs’ regime could well be toppled.

The president wrote in a post on Truth Social: “It’s not politically correct to use the term, ‘Regime Change’ but if the current Iranian Regime is unable to MAKE IRAN GREAT AGAIN, why wouldn’t there be a Regime change??? MIGA!!”

Trump’s post came despite his MAGA administration repeatedly saying the US is not looking for a regime change in Iran.

The 12-Day War began On June 13 when Israel launched Operation Rising Lion – a sophisticated campaign of bombing which targeted Iran’s military nuclear sites.

The Israelis also brilliantly orchestrated Operation Red Wedding – 30 top Iranian military chiefs killed in near-simultaneous blitz as Israel sought to root out the country’s military strength entirely.

Iran retaliated by launching daily salvos of ballistic missiles across Israel, but failed to hit any strategic targets.

Less than a fortnight later, Trump joined the Israeli bombing campaign against Iran.

The US military’s flagship B-2 Spirit stealth bombers dropped more than a dozen  30,000lb GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrator (MOP).

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US Air Force B-2 Spirit stealth strategic bombers, with the 509th Bomb Wing, approaches a KC-135 tanker to refuel (file picture)[/caption]

EPA

A building on fire after an Israeli attack in Tehran[/caption]

Reuters

A drone view shows an impacted residential site, following an early morning missile attack from Iran on Israel[/caption]

The bunker-buster bombs were used to hit Iran’s Fordow Nuclear Enrichment Plant.

Iran, which vowed to hit US military bases across the Middle East, sought its revenge by launching missiles at Al-Udeid Air Base – America’s biggest military station in the region.

But Tehran was said to have cooked up a fake attack after passing warnings to its Qatari allies, which allowed all US service personnel and aircraft to be moved out of harm’s way. 

Trump dubbed the expected response “weak” before announcing that a ceasefire deal had been reached between the Israelis and Iranians.

But even with a ceasefire being agreed upon, Trump made it clear he would “absolutely” consider bombing Iran again if it was ever needed.

He told reporters in the White House he would “without question” attack the country if US intelligence pointed towards Iran enriching uranium to concerning levels.

It comes as Iran held a funeral for the commanders wiped out in the war.

The event was severely plagued by “Death to America” chants and the burning of Israeli flags throughout the day.

Power: The untold reason African presidents rule for over 30 years through fear, force, and broken constitutions.