Wimbledon players’ walk-on fashion and dress code enforcement

By the Editorial Team · Saturday, July 4, 2026

Several Wimbledon players, including Matteo Berrettini, Taylor Fritz, Naomi Osaka, and Novak Djokovic, showcased personalized walk-on outfits that slightly deviated from the tournament’s strict all-white dress code but were approved by officials. This flexible approach to walk-on attire highlights a balance between tradition and individual expression while maintaining adherence to Wimbledon’s overall clothing guidelines.

This year’s Wimbledon Championships have drawn attention not only for on-court play but also for the fashion choices made by several players during their walk-ons. While the All England Club maintains a strict all-white dress code for competitors, officials have signaled a relatively flexible approach to walk-on attire, provided the outfits generally comply with the tournament’s guidelines.

Matteo Berrettini, who finished as the runner-up in 2021, revealed after his second-round victory on Thursday that one of his proposed walk-on outfits was rejected for not being “white enough.” The 30-year-old Italian had intended to wear a cream-colored jacket by Hugo Boss, which he described as slightly off-white with a faint brownish tint. Although the garment was not approved, Berrettini appeared wearing it in a promotional video shared by the brand. Following his win against 20th seed Arthur Fils, he stated, “It’s OK,” reflecting a pragmatic acceptance of the club’s decision.

Wimbledon’s dress code requires players to wear tennis attire that is “almost entirely white” from the moment they step onto the court, allowing trim colors only if they do not exceed one centimeter in width. An exception is made for female players, who may wear undershorts in a solid color. Despite these rules, some athletes have donned walk-on outfits that appear slightly off-white without facing restrictions.

Notably, American player Taylor Fritz wore a two-piece off-white Hugo Boss suit on Tuesday, featuring Velcro trousers designed to be removed quickly, a fringed scarf, and a headband. His look seemed to pay tribute to a blazer worn by Roger Federer in 2007. Meanwhile, Naomi Osaka showcased a more elaborate approach to walk-on fashion. For her second-round match, she wore a cream obi belt with a ruffled train and later appeared in a loose, embroidered kimono-style jacket with a ruffled lower section during her third-round appearance. Osaka told Vogue that she did not feel restricted by the dress code during her walk-ons.

Novak Djokovic also embraced a personalized touch, opting for a custom Lacoste blazer with green piping during his first-round match on Monday. These instances suggest that players’ teams coordinate with Wimbledon officials ahead of the tournament to ensure that walk-on outfits meet the club’s standards. The All England Club declined to comment specifically on the matter.

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