Emma Little-Pengelly said it was “hugely positive” that she could represent Northern Ireland by attending the tournament.
Ms Little-Pengelly and her husband, Education Authority chief executive Richard Pengelly, were pictured at the event last month.
The pair were snapped in centre court’s Royal Box alongside celebrities including US pop star Olivia Rodrigo, England football boss Thomas Tuchel and wrestler John Cena.
First Minister Michelle O’Neill was also invited to the tournament, but turned it down.
It later emerged the taxpayer footed the bill for Ms Little-Pengelly’s attendance. Some £980 was spent on flights and accommodation.
On Friday Alliance deputy leader Eóin Tennyson urged her to repay the money.
Mr Tennyson said it “beggars belief that the Deputy First Minister saw fit to take a jolly to Wimbledon on the taxpayers’ dime.”
His statement added: “The only decent thing to do, at this point, would be for the Deputy First Minister to pay the money back.”
Ms Little-Pengelly addressed the controversy for the first time in a post on X on Friday night.
She said her role as Deputy First Minister involved “leading from the front”, saying she has “worked tirelessly to champion Northern Ireland at every opportunity”.
“In this role we have the huge privilege too of being invited to attend Northern Ireland, Irish and UK events of national significance, including sporting events,” she said.
“I count it a huge honour to have been invited as DFM to attend the Royal Box at Wimbledon at the invitation of the chair of the club.
“The organisers invite a mix of political, government, investors, business along with the world of sport and entertainment, and of course royalty, as part of the official aspect of the tournament in the Royal Box.
“It is hugely positive that Northern Ireland is invited to be represented at this significant UK British national sporting event, of huge global impact.
Emma Little-Pengelly and her husband Richard at Wimbledon last week (Photo: Emma Little-Pengelly/Facebook)
News Catch Up – Friday 8th August
“Wimbledon generates over £200million for the UK economy. I was hugely honoured to be asked to support the event and to represent officially as DFM.
“I will always be the biggest champion of this wonderful place of Northern Ireland.
“I will always do my best to promote us at every opportunity and it is the biggest honour of my life to ensure our voice is heard.
“As a unionist, I am determined too to play my part in supporting and promoting all that is fantastic about our UK.
“Some will criticise, some will try and attack. It will not diminish nor distract me from my drive and determination. It will not stop my positivity and championing Northern Ireland.”
Last week Ms O’Neill told the Belfast Telegraph that she turned down an invite to also attend the tournament.
“I don’t mind tennis, but I didn’t see any value for me to go to Wimbledon,” Ms O’Neill said.
Asked whether it was wrong to have the taxpayer fund her colleague’s trip, she added: “That’s for Emma to answer. She chose to take up the invitation so she will have to answer if she feels that was the right call or not.”
Details of the Wimbledon costs were released after a Freedom of Information request by the Irish News.
The Executive Office previously said the Deputy First Minister “flew economy” and that while she was accompanied by her husband, there was “no additional expenditure” incurred by the department on his behalf.
The Education Authority said “no spend was incurred” by it and the trip was “made in a personal capacity” while Mr Pengelly was on annual leave.