Djokovic finds gray area in Wimbledon’s all-white policy

While all-white is all right at The All England Club, Novak Djokovic has discovered that gray is sometimes okay.

After a search for a white sleeve to protect his recovering right knee in the lead-up to The Championships proved fruitless, the seven-time tournament champion sported a gray covering during his 6-1, 6-2, 6-2 win Tuesday against Vit Kopriva.

The 24-time Grand Slam champion had worked to secure permission from the Club to wear the sleeve in the days before the match and received additional confirmation moments before stepping onto Centre Court.

“I did check. I actually just met chairwoman just before walking onto the court," Djokovic said. "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 the white one.”

Djokovic, who underwent surgery on June 5 to repair a torn medial meniscus suffered during Roland Garros, did not face a break point during his convincing win, which set up a second-round meeting with World No. 277 22-year-old Briton Jacob Fearnley.

The Serbian, who has claimed a record eight ATP Year-End No. 1 presented by PIF honours, said that he did not experience pain during the one hour, 58-minute match with Kopriva.

“For an opening match, I couldn't ask for a better start,” he said.

“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 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.”

Djokovic also took time to pay tribute to his great friend and rival Andy Murray, who withdrew from the gentlemen’s singles Tuesday after failing to recover in time from recent back surgery.

“Obviously, very sad news for the tournament and for the tennis world to hear that he withdrew from the singles event here in Wimbledon. I hear that he's going to try to play doubles.

“Just incredible resilience throughout all his career. Multiple Grand Slam winner. Legend of the game. No. 1 in the world. Going to play Challenger circuit to build his rankings on clay, his least favorite surface, says a lot about his character.

“Just huge inspiration to all the players. Doesn't mind getting out on the court for hours every day. Incredible professional. Just his approach is something to study, no doubt.”