Nick Kyrgios addressing the media at the Wimbledon Championships wearing a red cap.
Nick Kyrgios is the favorite child of controversy both on and off the court. This time around, the Wimbledon quarterfinalists raised eyebrows by wearing a red and white pair of sneakers instead of the traditional all-white grass-court shoes. He didn’t stop here. Kyrgios also wore a red cap instead of a white one, going against the policies of the All England Club.
The All England Club has a strict policy regarding all white attire while players are on match courts during tournaments – which is clearly a nod to the early days of tennis, and some athletes think that the 1880s Might be better suited. The decade of 2020.
“I mean, I’ve always wanted to wear all black,” said 27-year-old Australian Kyrgios, who faced Chile’s Cristian Garin on Wednesday. A black hoodie and matching hat.
“It would be nice to have a permission like a black headband or a black sweatband. I think it would look cool,” Kyrgios said. “Obviously Wimbledon doesn’t really care what feels good,” he said.
Neither Kyrgios, nor anyone else, expects the rules to change anytime soon. And of course there are those who appreciate it as part of the allure of tennis’s oldest Grand Slam event.
“For me, what I love about Wimbledon is the tradition and that’s what makes it so special, and having a white dress is one of those little traditions that I really follow. It looks crisp, especially on the grass courts.” against,” said Alison Riske-Amritraj, who reached the third round seeded 28.
“You don’t have to do this at another tournament during the year. It’s very professional. I’ll be wearing white everywhere for every match, so I’m probably biased when it comes to that.”
The first of the All England Club’s 10-point list of clothing guidelines states: “Competitors must wear appropriate tennis attire that is almost entirely white and this applies from the point at which the player moves around the court.” enters.”
Second condition: “White does not contain white or cream.”
There are further details, such as “A color trim around the neckline and around the cuffs of the sleeves is acceptable, but should not be wider than 1 centimeter (less than half an inch)”, that “Caps (including underbill)” Headbands, bandanas, wristbands, and socks must be completely white, except that “the same size allowance for trim, and this:” Shoes must be almost entirely white. Soles and laces must be completely white. Large manufacturers’ logos are not encouraged.”
It’s perfectly fine with some “competitors”.
Tommy Paul, who was seeded 30th and reached the fourth round, said that the Royal Palm Tennis Club in Pinehurst, Florida – where the leading supporter is Eric Hechman, who has coached Serena Williams and Venus Williams – would not be a good fit when he trained there. If so, all white is required. ,
“It doesn’t matter to me. It’s great,” said Paul.
“If I see people doing it at home during practice, I have no problem doing it for Wimbledon.”
At this year’s tournament, a player said that he is always worried that his white clothes will get dirty while eating.
Some say they were outraged by the need to find new clothes to play at Wimbledon. Others were excited about it.
Romanian Mihaela Buzarnescu, who lost to French Open runner-up Coco Gauff last year, said: “It’s very beautiful. I hope they keep this tradition forever, because it’s something different. You always get to see the colors on people’s clothes.” Needless to.” Week.
“Every year, I think, Oh, white again. Let’s go!'”
Over the years, players have been punished for violating the letter or spirit of the written rules.
For example, in 2013, none other than now-eight-time champion Roger Federer showed up with neon orange soles on his shoes for his first-round match, which he won — then, um, by the club at Wimbledon. Reminded of the rules, he switched to white soles before his second round match, which he lost, his first Grand Slam exit in a decade.
In 2007, Tatiana Golovin played at Wimbledon with red underwear under her white dress, leading to this opening exchange at a news conference:
Reporter: “May I ask you about your knees?”
Golovin: “Excuse me?”
This year’s eighth seed Jessica Pegula said, “Could it maybe be a little more up-to-date? Of course. We’re in 2022.” ,
Then, it’s two weeks off the calendar where you have to do it. It is part of Wimbledon, Wimbledon.
(input AP)