Novak Djokovic has kept wearing his grey knee support despite knowing that it broke Wimbledon’s strict clothing rules.
Djokovic wore a grey knee support during his straight-sets victory over Vit Kopriva on Tuesday afternoon. The seven-time Wimbledon champion feels he needs the extra support after undergoing surgery on a torn medial meniscus in his right knee, which saw him withdraw from the French Open earlier this year.
Yet Wimbledon’s rules only permit players to wear white clothing – and medical supports are only exempt if the change in colour is “absolutely necessary”. Djokovic was aware of the minor issue but has still not changed it for his second-round match against Britain’s Jacob Fearnley on Centre Court on Thursday afternoon.
“I did check. I actually just met chairwoman just before walking onto the court,” Djokovic said after his first-round win. “She gave me thumbs up, so it was okay. Of course, we did check in the days prior if we have a 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. Yeah, 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 for next match the white one.”
Wimbledon’s rules state: “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. White does not include off white or cream.”
Players are only allowed a small trim of colour around the neckline and the cuff of the sleeves, with the same applying to caps, shorts, sweatbands and shoes. The rules do note that: “Medical supports and equipment should be white if possible but may be coloured if absolutely necessary.”
Novak Djokovic of Serbia
Novak Djokovic wore a grey knee support in his first-round match
The only exemption to the strict rule is for female players, who are permitted to wear “solid, mid/dark-coloured undershorts provided they are no longer than their shorts or skirt.” That change to the rules was only implemented last year following concerns about female competitors playing during their period.
The rules are enforced, even for high-profile players: back in 2017 Venus Williams was forced to change her bra during a rain break against Elise Mertens after match after officials said the pink straps were not allowed.
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