Alcaraz & Swiatek serve up signature dishes at the Champions Luncheon in Indian Wells

The BNP Paribas Open has always been known as “Tennis Paradise,” and this year, the tournament has added another delightful tradition to its legacy: the Champions’ Luncheon. Held on the first day of the event, this special occasion brought together defending champions Iga Swiatek and Carlos Alcaraz, tournament officials, and members of the media for a unique culinary experience at Porta Via, a California-style bistro located inside Stadium 1 at Indian Wells.

A New Tradition is Born

The Champions’ Luncheon is not just about celebrating the defending champions’ achievements on the court but also about connecting them with fans and the tournament’s rich atmosphere in a new way. Swiatek and Alcaraz, both two-time winners at Indian Wells, were given the opportunity to collaborate with the chefs at Porta Via to create their own signature dishes, inspired by their cultures and personal tastes.

For Swiatek, who hails from Warsaw, Poland, there was only one dish that could truly represent her: potato & cheese pierogies served with caramelized onions, sour cream, and chives. The world No. 1 shared a heartwarming story about her family’s love for pierogies, revealing that her father is a master at making them—so much so that she had him prepare 120 of them for Christmas.

“The most important thing is the dough,” Swiatek said with a smile, emphasizing the precision needed to make the perfect pierogi. While the gathered guests enjoyed her dish, her fellow champion Alcaraz admitted that he had never heard of pierogies before.

“It’s the first time that I’ve heard about it,” Alcaraz said, drawing laughter from the crowd.

Alcaraz’s Classic Spanish Flavor

In contrast to Swiatek’s Eastern European-inspired dish, Alcaraz’s selection was deeply rooted in his Spanish heritage. The two-time BNP Paribas Open champion, born in El Palmar, Murcia, chose a serrano ham and manchego bocadillo—a traditional Spanish sandwich—complete with roasted piquillo peppers, arugula, and house-made potato chips.

“The bread is essential for a good bocadillo,” Alcaraz noted, explaining that a high-quality roll makes all the difference in the dish.

Alcaraz also made it clear that his love for serrano ham runs deep.

“There’s no secret about it,” he said. “Serrano ham in Spain—I have eaten it since I was a little kid. For me, it’s classic in a bocadillo.”

Fans Can Get a Taste of Tennis Paradise

This new Champions’ Luncheon tradition not only honors the defending titlists but also allows fans to feel even closer to their favorite players. Throughout the tournament, attendees will be able to enjoy these signature dishes at Porta Via, bringing a taste of Poland and Spain to Indian Wells.

For fans who can’t make it to the event in person, the BNP Paribas Open website features a full write-up of the event, and tournament organizers hope that this new tradition will continue in the coming years. Perhaps in 2026, new champions will introduce even more international flavors to Tennis Paradise.

With the tournament officially underway, all eyes will be on Swiatek and Alcaraz to see if they can defend their titles. But whether they win or not, one thing is certain—the 2025 BNP Paribas Open has already served up something special.

Alcaraz & Swiatek serve up signature dishes at the Champions Luncheon in Indian Wells