Maria Sharapova Wins Wimbledon with Egg Fried Rice

Maria Sharapova won Wimbledon in 2004 at just 17 years old, beating Serena Williams in straight sets, 6-1, 6-4.

What was her secret meal?

The Russian teenager regularly visited a nearby Thai restaurant, Thai Tho, in Wimbledon Village, where she ordered the same meal every time: stir fry beef with chilli and egg fried rice.

Adrian Mills, the restaurant co-owner, recalled that Sharapova's father didn't speak English, and her own English was limited, but she always ordered the same dish.

How often did she eat at the restaurant?

Sharapova ate at Thai Tho 10 times in two weeks, always ordering the same meal, which Mills joked was the key to her Wimbledon success.

Mills said he told his wife that there was no way Sharapova could win Wimbledon eating that meal, but she proved him wrong.

What does the restaurant mean to tennis players?

Thai Tho has welcomed many famous tennis players over the years, including Sir Andy Murray, Judy Murray, the Williams sisters, Andre Agassi, Chris Evert, and Martina Navratilova.

The restaurant's philosophy is to treat everyone the same, with good home cooking and a relaxed atmosphere, which is what the players like.

What's next for the restaurant?

Adrian Mills is expecting a busy two weeks during Wimbledon, with tables turning three times every evening, and he hopes that some of the current players will follow in Sharapova's footsteps and try his restaurant's egg fried rice.

After her 2004 Wimbledon win, Sharapova went on to have a stellar career, becoming one of only 10 women to win a career Grand Slam.

The restaurant's egg fried rice may just be the ultimate Grand Slam recipe, and any starlets eyeing Wimbledon glory this year may want to give it a try.

On July 2004, Sharapova dropped to her knees and broke down in tears as Williams' forehand shot hit the net, securing her historic win.

Mills has co-owned Thai Tho for 33 years and is a former presenter on the BBC's That's Life! programme with Dame Esther Rantzen.

The restaurant usually turns tables twice on Friday and Saturday nights, but during Wimbledon, they will be doing so three times every evening.