Champions’ feast: Swiatek and Alcaraz enjoy traditional dishes ahead of Indian Wells debut

Iga Swiatek and Carlos Alcaraz attended the Indian Wells champions' lunch, where they were served traditional dishes from their respective countries. Both players were honoured ahead of their second-round debuts on Friday.

The Polish star claimed last year’s title by defeating Maria Sakkari in the final (6-4, 6-0), repeating her 2022 triumph. Meanwhile, Alcaraz overcame Daniil Medvedev (7-6, 6-1), securing back-to-back titles against the same opponent.

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At a traditional media luncheon, both Grand Slam champions were treated to meals from their home countries, Spain and Poland. The menu featured:

First Course (“In honor of Iga Swiatek”) – Potato & Cheese Pierogies with caramelized onions, sour cream, and chives

Second Course (“In honor of Carlos Alcaraz”) – Serrano Ham and Manchego Bocadillo with roasted piquillo peppers, arugula, and house-made potato chips

Both players will make their tournament debuts on Friday at Stadium 1. Swiatek will face Caroline Garcia, while Alcaraz awaits the winner between Quentin Halys and Pablo Carreño Busta.

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They will also have to adjust to new playing conditions after Indian Wells switched its court surface from Plexipave to Laykold. Previously, Indian Wells was considered the slowest hard-court event—benefiting players like Alcaraz—but this year, the courts will match the faster surfaces used at the Miami Open and US Open.

"Honestly, I don't feel much difference. We come here after a year anyway, after a year of playing on different surfaces," Swiatek commented. "Everybody says it's a bit different, but I don't know. It's actually in the back of our heads because everybody is talking about it."

"It’s a change I didn’t understand," Alcaraz said. "For 25 years, the tournament had the same court, and now it's changed. I don’t know why they did it. I have to practice on it. I consider myself a player who adapts well to different surfaces and conditions."

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