Portuguese number one Nuno Borges has revealed that Wimbledon officials rejected his request to wear a Portugal football shirt on court as a tribute to Liverpool star Diogo Jota, who died in a car crash. The tennis player instead wore a black ribbon pinned to his hat during Friday's third-round match against Karen Khachanov.
Borges said his team had initially pushed for a more visible tribute to honour the footballer. "I know Wimbledon is usually not very flexible with attire," Borges told the PA news agency after losing his five-set thriller.
Wimbledon's strict dress code
The tennis star explained that his agent had contacted Wimbledon about wearing a Portugal shirt and even attempted to source a white version to comply with the tournament's dress rules. However, the request was turned down by officials.
"We initially talked about getting a full jersey to walk on court," he said. "I even tried to find one in white, but it was turned down, so we ended up doing something a little smaller."
Rare flexibility from organisers
Despite rejecting the shirt request, Wimbledon relaxed its 148-year-old dress code in light of Jota's death, allowing players to wear black ribbons or armbands. The gesture marked a rare moment of flexibility from organisers after the deaths of Jota and his brother Andre Silva, who were killed in Spain whilst travelling to catch a ferry to England.
When asked if Wimbledon should have allowed the shirt, Borges said: "I think that's what makes Wimbledon special and different from every other Slam, so I really don't know." Several players took advantage of the allowance, including fellow Portuguese doubles player Francisco Cabral.
Players pay respects
Cabral wore a ribbon on his shirt sleeve during a doubles match with Lucas Miedler, describing it as "an honour". He said the tribute held deep personal meaning beyond tennis.
"He was an inspiration not only for me but for the country in general," he said. "He made so much in the sport and conquered so much in my life. If I helped 1% for the family I will be super happy."
Liverpool fan's tribute plans
British doubles player and Liverpool fan Neal Skupski had also prepared a black armband for his Thursday match but opted not to wear it after learning of his grandmother's death shortly after coming off court. He said he may wear one "in the next couple of days".
Wimbledon's dress code has long restricted visible colour on court, and tributes are rarely granted. Cabral and Miedler lost their second-round match in straight sets to Czech pair Petr Nouza and Patrik Rikl.
(PA) Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
