Matteo Berrettini’s Hugo Boss outfit blocked at Wimbledon
Matteo Berrettini has revealed that Wimbledon officials prohibited him from wearing a specially designed outfit from Hugo Boss, citing that it was “not white enough,” reports BritPanorama.
The Italian player had intended to don a tailored jacket before his match, following in the footsteps of fellow player Taylor Fritz. However, the strict dress code enforced by the All England Club effectively halted his plans.
Berrettini, who shares sponsorship with Fritz, noted that he had already participated in a promotional photoshoot and posted images of the outfit on social media prior to being informed of the ban. “I got refused by Wimbledon,” he stated.
According to Berrettini, the jacket’s subtle beige hue failed to meet the tournament guidelines. “It was not white enough. It was a little bit off-white,” he explained. He elaborated that the particular shade of the jacket was “a little brownish,” which ultimately led to the refusal.
Despite his disappointment, Berrettini maintained a good spirit, saying, “But it’s okay.” His remarks emerged after he advanced to the third round, having defeated 20th seed Arthur Fils in a four-set match.
While Berrettini’s situation raised eyebrows, Taylor Fritz’s attire, comprising an all-white blazer and trousers, became a prominent topic at this year’s Championships. Fritz conveyed some uncertainty about accepting the idea initially, noting, “I wasn’t 100 percent sure how I felt, but after seeing the pictures after the match, I feel like it looked all right.”
He further commented on the polarising nature of his outfit choice, suggesting that opinions on players dressing up would likely diverge. “You could show up in a full outfit and get snipped in the first round. You look really stupid, honestly,” he added.
Berrettini is not alone in facing the stringent dress regulations at Wimbledon, as seen in other incidents, such as Jessica Bouzas being warned for part of a black undershirt peeking from under her white kit. The All England Club has long upheld its tradition of an all-white dress code, sparking debates within the tennis community over the years.
The compelling nature of such strictures continues to resonate with players, as past champions like Andre Agassi have openly voiced their opposition to the rules, highlighting an ongoing tension between tradition and modernity in the sport.
Many players now find themselves negotiating the fine line between personal expression and the tournament’s regulations, serving as a reminder of how tradition often shapes the narratives within a sport that continuously seeks to evolve.
