Novak Djokovic broke Wimbledon dress code protocol during first-round win… but former champ granted special exemption
NOVAK DJOKOVIC broke Wimbledon dress code protocol by wearing GREY on Centre Court.
But he revealed he received a special exemption from the All England Club.
Djokovic was a major doubt for the 2024 Championships after undergoing surgery on his knee meniscus after pulling out of the French Open.
But just four weeks later, he took to the grass for his first-round match at Wimbledon, despatching Czech Vit Kopriva 6-1 6-2 6-2 in less than two hours – cheered on by snooker legend Ronnie O’Sullivan.
However, with clearly still some lingering fears about the state of his knee, he did wear a support sleeve over the joint.
But the bandage was grey – therefore breaching the Wimbledon dress code which states tennis players’ clothes must be “almost entirely all white”.
A coloured trim is permitted but not a solid block of colour while Wimbledon relaxed the rules for 2023 to allow women to wear coloured undershorts.
Nick Kyrgios famously felt the wrath of the All England chiefs for rocking a red cap and trainers during his 2022 run to the final while Ons Jabeur was forced to go and change after training on Centre Court in a black t-shirt.
But Djokovic confirmed he was granted permission to wear the grey leg sleeve – because there was no white one available.
And in special circumstances, where it is “absolutely necessary”, non-white medical supports and equipment are allowed.
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American ace Frances Tiafoe is playing in a black knee support while Borna Coric sported a black arm sleeve and many players wear ankle braces that are not white.
Quizzed about it in his press conference, seven-time champion Djokovic explained: “I did check. I actually just met the chairwoman just before walking on to the court. She gave me thumbs up, so it was okay.
“Of course, we did check in the days prior if we have permission. We’re trying to find a white one, trust me.
“I saw Frances Tiafoe played, he had actually a black colour sleeve. Grey, I think it’s maybe slightly better towards the white.
“I know it’s not ideal. I like to go all white and I like to respect the rules. But I got the permission. I said to them that I will give our best to get a white one for next match.”
That next match for Djokovic is a round-two date with British wildcard Jacob Fearnley.
Edinburgh’s world No277 demolished Alejandro Moro Canas in straight sets on Tuesday to secure his maiden Grand Slam victory on debut.
Wimbledon dress code rules
THE following refers to all clothing, including tracksuits and sweaters, worn on The Championship courts both for practice and for matches.
1) Competitors must be dressed in suitable tennis attire that is almost entirely white* and this applies from the point at which the player enters the court surround.
2) White does not include off white or cream.
3) There should be no solid mass or panel of colouring*. A single trim of colour around the neckline and around the cuff of the sleeves is acceptable but must be no wider than one centimetre (10mm).
4) Colour contained within patterns will be measured as if it is a solid mass of colour and should be within the one centimetre (10mm) guide. Logos formed by variations of material or patterns are not acceptable.
5) Shorts, skirts and tracksuit bottoms must be completely white except for a single trim of colour down the outside seam no wider than one centimetre (10mm).
6) Caps (including the underbill), headbands, bandanas, wristbands and socks must be completely white except for a single trim of colour no wider than one centimetre (10mm).
7) Shoes must be almost entirely white. Soles and laces must be completely white. Large manufacturers’ logos are not encouraged. The grass court shoes must adhere to the Grand Slam rules. In particular shoes with pimples around the outside of the toes shall not be permitted. The foxing around the toes must be smooth.
8) Any undergarments that either are or can be visible during play (including due to perspiration) must also be completely white except for a single trim of colour no wider than one centimetre (10mm), except female players who are allowed to wear solid, mid/dark-coloured undershorts provided they are no longer than their shorts or skirt.
9) Medical supports and equipment should be white if possible but may be coloured if absolutely necessary. A more relaxed dress code operates at the Aorangi Park practice courts.
*Exception provided for female players who are allowed to wear solid, mid/dark-coloured undershorts provided they are no longer than their shorts or skirt.
Source: Wimbledon
But Djokovic admitted he will need to brush up on the rising star before they face off on Thursday.
The Serb added: “No, I haven’t seen him hit. I don’t know really anything about him. So I’ll have to do my homework.
“I know he was granted a wildcard to play in the tournament. I’ll definitely analyse his first-round match and see what I’m up against.
“Obviously him being British, he’s going to have the crowd. You never like to play British at Wimbledon but I’m looking forward to it.
“For me, it’s just about really maintaining this good sensation, good feelings on the court.
“Getting my body and knee in shape to sustain the high level of potential five sets. That’s what matters the most.”