International stars from the world of tennis, celebrity and fashion came together to celebrate the 11th annual WTA Pre-Wimbledon Party presented by Dubai Duty Free at The Roof Gardens, Kensington.

One of the most anticipated summer social events, the party was attended by players including WTA world No.1 Serena Williams, Garbiñe Muguruza, Ana Ivanovic, Caroline Wozniacki, Angelique Kerber, Heather Watson, Simona Halep, Petra Kvitova, Madison Keys and Eugenie Bouchard.

In a year of celebration through sport, the biggest names in women's tennis were joined by a number of famous personalities from the world of sport, entertainment and fashion. Attendees included Thom Evans, Katie Piper, Tallia Storm, Ortis Deley, Charlotte Evans and Sky Sports presenter Jacquie Beltrao amongst others. Twelve-year-old Tawana Senah also walked the purple carpet with Judy Murray, having been chosen to represent the Elena Baltacha Academy and Foundation.

Steve Simon, WTA CEO, said: “We’re very excited to be hosting the WTA Pre-Wimbledon Party for the 11th year at the Roof Gardens with the support of Virgin and Dubai Duty Free. Both our partners continue to make the event an incredible success year after year as we celebrate the ever growing global reach of the WTA and the fantastic achievements of these inspirational women.”

Colm McLoughlin, Dubai Duty Free executive vice-chairman and CEO, said: "The WTA Pre-Wimbledon Party is one of the true highlights on our Dubai Duty Free social calendar. This glamorous event gives us a great opportunity to promote our longstanding relationship with the WTA. We enjoy welcoming back these exceptional athletes to the Dubai Duty Free Championships each February and we are delighted to celebrate with all our tennis friends this evening."

Stars arrived at the exclusive pre-Wimbledon event in Jaguar XJL Autobiographies and were greeted with a warm welcome from budding young tennis players in the WTA Fanzone as they walked the purple carpet.

Inside the party, players, media and VIP guests enjoyed a multi-cultural menu of delicious food, drink and entertainment including Stella beer and cidre, Laurent Perrier champagne and wines from Pablo and La Poderosa. Cocktails served included Tanqueray No. TEN & Tonic with a pink grapefruit garnish and the SW19 Southside which features Crème de peche, lime and mint leaves. evian returned as official water sponsor, refreshing guests with evian Fruits & Plants. The new flavour range is made of three fresh, light and well-balanced recipes including lemon and elderflower, grape and rose, and raspberry and verbena. New partner Häagen-Dazs also served up an exclusive preview of their new limited edition Strawberries & Cream stick bar ice cream for guests, which will be available exclusively at Wimbledon and Selfridges for the duration of the grass court tournament.

A bespoke menu of specially crafted canapés was created by The Roof Gardens’ Head Chef Antonio Borg. Serving up a number of delicious dishes inspired by WTA tournament destinations around the world, guests enjoyed scallop ceviche, Asian stir-fried Noodles, tomato & mascarpone risotto balls, lime marinated free range chicken tacos and in a nod to the host country, British fish and chips.

Players also were treated to a range of dishes specially tailored to their nutritional and dietary requirements curated by Joel Chaudhuri – Senior Sous Chef – Babylon at The Roof Gardens and the WTA’s special team of nutritionists. Fregola pasta with asparagus, kale, pumpkin seed, almonds, sesame seeds, sesame oil and cider vinegar dressing and roasted chicken breast with fennel and olive cous cous and quinoa, sundried tomato and garlic were some of the dishes players enjoyed. - TradeArabia News Service