Wimbledon star breaks same golden rule as Novak Djokovic during comeback win

Despite Wimbledon competitors having to wear all-white during tournament games, Frances Tiafoe was spotted wearing a black knee brace vs Matteo Arnaldi.

Frances Tiafoe was spotted flouting one of Wimbledon’s most notorious rules during his game against Matteo Arnaldi, and he isn’t the only player to have done so. The Grand Slam’s code of conduct stipulates that all competitors “must be dressed in suitable tennis attire that is almost entirely white” from the point of entering the court surround and throughout their matches.

It also adds that “medical supports and equipment should be white if possible” however, they can be coloured when “absolutely necessary” – a rule that Tiafoe failed to adhere to when turning up to Court 15 sporting a black knee strap. The American injured his knee while slipping on the courts of the Queen’s Club last month, falling during his opener with Rinky Hijikata.

And while his subsequent participation in the Wimbledon was in doubt at first, Tiafoe told media that he was feeling back to fitness days in the days leading to his first match. He said: “I feel like I’m moving better and better. Obviously you’re still a little timid at times moving, you don’t want to hurt yourself even more but I feel like I’m getting closer and closer to 100 per cent. But this is definintely not a tournament I want to miss so I’m going to try everything to be able to play on Monday.”

Novak Djokovic, meanwhile, surprised SW19’s Centre Court crowd on Tuesday in his game against Vit Kopriva by also rocking up to the tournament with a grey strap on his knee. The seven-time SW19 champion, however, noted how he was permitted to wear the coloured aid after seeking permission from tournament officials, explaining how he was unable to find a white version.

He admitted: “I actually just met (the) chairwoman just before walking onto the court. She gave me (the) 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.”