All in white. It is the only way a tennis player can dress to participate in Wimbledonthe most traditional tournament in history. The strict dress code of the All England has caused controversy for decades. And it will continue to be so. There are plenty of examples. Until 1991, André Agassi He refused to play on English turf because he couldn’t wear his look back street boywith colorful t-shirts and frayed jean shorts. It is true, the Kid from Las Vegas was a rebel (with or without a cause), but even the correct one Roger Federer He had problems: in 2013, the Swiss was told that he would be disqualified if he wore the shoes he had worn in the first round again: Nikes with fluorescent orange soles. Obviously, the tennis player who was caught up in the new controversy over Wimbledon’s clothing is none other than Novak Djokovic.
In early June, Novak Djokovic underwent surgery for a torn meniscus in his right knee, after an epic match in which he eliminated Francisco Cerúndolo “on one leg.”
Since then, there has been speculation about whether or not the Serbian would make it to Wimbledon. This Tuesday, Novak Djokovic made his debut with a victory against the Czech Vit Kopriva at the Cathedral of tennis and he did so looking a grey knee padAccording to European media, this orthopedic implement “borders on the legality of the tournament rules, which require tennis players to wear practically immaculate white.”
According to the rules of the tournament, Only one colored line is allowed, no more than ten millimeters.on the pants, on the collar, on the end of the sleeves and on the caps. The sneakers and their soles must be completely white (ask Roger, if not), while Only women can wear a colored garment under their pants to avoid period stains.This initiative was only integrated in 2023.
Federer’s controversial sneakers from 2013. They say the situation distracted him so much that he bowed out in the second round against Ukrainian Sergiy Stakhovsky.
However, DjokovicThe seven-time champion at the All England Club wore a grey knee pad on his right leg during his win over Kopriva on Tuesday, an exception made in the tournament’s rule book.
“Medical supplies and such equipment should be white if possible, but may be colored if absolutely necessary,” the regulations state.
And, to clear any doubts, Djokovic himself confirmed in a press conference that he had received the green light to wear the knee brace.
“I spoke to the president before we went out on the track and she gave me the green light, so everything was fine. Obviously we had asked in the days leading up to it to see if we would be allowed. Believe me we have tried to find a white knee pad“, explained Djokovic, who also recalled the case of Frances Tiafoe, who played on Monday with black protection on his arm.
Nole will continue to wear his knee brace. Photo: Reuter
“I think grey is a bit better, it’s closer to white. I know it’s not ideal and I like to wear all white and respect the rules, but they gave me permission. I told them we’ll do everything we can to wear white in the next game.”
The only place players are allowed to play in coloured clothing is on the practice courts at Aorangi Park. “The dress code is more relaxed at Aorangi,” the rule book says. The moment you step onto any of the club’s 18 courts, white clothing is required to hit the ball.
2024-07-03 15:09:42
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