The 2025 Wimbledon celebrations were packed with unforgettable moments that stretched far beyond the courts. While Jannik Sinner and Iga Świątek basked in their championship glory at the traditional Champions’ Dinner, three retired pros decided to have their own fun with the exclusive event. John Isner and Steve Johnson couldn’t resist poking at their friend Sam Querrey about whether he actually belonged at tennis’s most prestigious post-tournament gathering.
Why Did John Isner and Steve Johnson Target Sam Querrey About the Champions’ Dinner?
The banter started during a recent episode of the “Nothing Major Show,” where Querrey, Isner, and Johnson were swapping Wimbledon stories and discussing the famous Champions’ Dinner. What began as casual conversation quickly turned into good-natured roasting when the topic shifted to who actually deserves an invitation to the event.
Isner kicked things off with a pointed observation: “If you play in the Legends, you’re invited to the Champions’ Dinner. I think that’s kind of silly to be quite honest with you, unless you’re a past champion yourself as a legend. Sam, you are not.”
The friendly attack didn’t stop there. When Querrey asked, “Who do you think should go to the dinner then? Just past champions?” Johnson immediately backed up his fellow podcaster with a laugh: “Just past champions. Yeah, I’m with John on this one.”
Querrey tried to defend the current system by pointing out, “There’s not that many,” but Isner doubled down on his stance. “Members of the club, you’re kind of sullying the experience in my mind. You got Sam Querrey there,” he added. Johnson delivered the final blow with his comparison: “It’s like stolen valor.”
How Did Jannik Sinner and Iga Świątek Celebrate Their Wimbledon Victories?
While the podcast crew kept things light and playful, the actual Champions’ Dinner showcased tennis tradition at its finest. The 2025 celebration honored new Wimbledon champions Sinner and Świątek, who shared the spotlight at this year’s exclusive gathering. The dinner took place at Raffles London at The OWO, complete with trophy presentations and the customary dance between the singles winners.
Sinner made his entrance wearing a striking Gucci suit, while Świątek chose a lilac Stella McCartney evening gown for the occasion. The newly crowned champions spent the evening mingling with tennis legends, sponsors, and other invited guests as the crowd celebrated their achievements.
The event highlighted the tradition that brings together past and present champions, along with those who participate in the Legends tournament. Players like Querrey receive invitations based on their participation and contributions to the event, regardless of their championship status.
The playful exchange between Isner, Johnson, and Querrey perfectly captures the camaraderie that exists among professional tennis players. Their lighthearted debate about dinner invitations shows how the sport creates lasting friendships that continue long after players hang up their rackets, both on and off the court.