Novak Djokovic had plenty to deal with in preparation for his return to Wimbledon, including his attire.
The 24-time Grand Slam winner was a surprise addition at SW19 on Day 2 given his injury battle that saw go under the knife for meniscus surgery on June 5, but he still blasted past Vit Kopriva in straight sets.
The 6-1 6-2 6-2 win was done with the help of a sizeable brace on his right knee, but it was one that was, by all intents and purposes, illegal.
The All England club enforces a strict all-white rule during the Championship which even saw Ons Jabeur temporarily thrown off Centre Court ahead of last year’s final for warming up in a black training top.
However, given Djokovic’s grey brace was the only thing keeping the sport’s most famous current player in action, a rare exception had to be made.
It wasn’t for the want of trying on the Serbian’s part either, as he explained: “I did check. I actually just met the chairwoman just before walking onto 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. Gray, 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 for next match [to find] the white one.”
The official rule reads: ‘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.’
Current world no.1 Jannik Sinner similarly broke the rule last year, but had some leeway as it was equipment rather than attire.
The Italian marched out with a gold Gucci bag at last season’s event, but only after an agreement between the company and Wimbledon’s organisers.
Not everyone is so lucky though. In 2022 Australian star Nick Kyrgios sported a pair of red Air Jordans which pocketed him a £1100 fine, and he later told the media ‘I do what I want’.
This year was unique for the men’s game as it was the first time since 2003 that the reigning champion was not named Djokovic, Roger Federer, Rafa Nadal or Andy Murray.
Djokovic plays on Thursday, but will not be the main event – that is for Andy and Jamie Murray in the men’s doubles.
Andy, a two-time Wimbledon winner, teams up with Jamie for the first time at a Slam.
It will be the last time he plays at Wimbledon with his retirement from tennis looming. If he wins with Jamie then that is a nice send off with the prize money on offer.