NOVAK DJOKOVIC BREAKS STRICT WIMBLEDON RULE AFTER HOLDING TALKS WITH TENNIS CHIEFS

Novak Djokovic was given the all clear by Wimbledon bosses to don a grey knee support - despite the Championship's strict all-white rule.

The Serbian, eyeing an eighth title at SW19, began his tournament with a comfortable straight sets win over Vit Kopriva' on Centre Court. Djokovic was second up and came out wearing a grey knee support that isn't in keeping with the white usually seen across Wimbledon.

The 37-year-old was forced to pull out of the French Open with a knee issue and has since had surgery. In an effort to help with his recovery and to manage the injury he has a support on and is seeking a white one, but is making to with grey for now.

He said: "I did check. I actually just met 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 a permission. We're trying to find a white one, trust me.

"I saw Frances Tiafoe played, he had actually a black color 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 all-white rule has been called out in recent years, especially by women's players who feel particularly self conscious when on their periods. Men though have rarely had issues and Djokovic's grey knee support didn't cause any issues.

He was quizzed on how he felt just weeks after pulling out of the French Open and appeared more than happy with where his body is at.

The Serbian said: "Yeah, obviously started a little bit more cautious, I would say. I didn't really maybe go for certain shots 100 per cent in terms of, like, the far balls at the first set.

"I played I think just enough to win confidently in straight sets. I felt like as the match progressed, I moved better. Those couple points I think when I broke him in the second set, I did one slide. That was the first slide of the grass court season for me. I haven't done it even in a practice week. So that was a great test.

"After that, I felt happy that I did it because in a way you also feel mentally hesitant to do those extreme movements. But knowing that I can do it is, obviously, very comforting and very positive."

2024-07-03T10:43:11Z dg43tfdfdgfd