Clare Balding briefly lost her composure while live on the BBC after Novak Djokovic emerged for his first Wimbledon match wearing a pristine, commemorative blazer. The Serbian was the main event at SW19 and he wore an outfit fitting such a moment.
The seven-time Wimbledon champion took inspiration from Roger Federer by sporting a crisp, white blazer, complete with a sharp black trim around the lapel. Djokovic appeared to be relishing his outfit as he waited to emerge onto Centre Court for his opening match against Chinese star Wu Yubing. This is Djokovic’s 21st Wimbledon campaign, but he has never sported such a look at the All England Club.
As he and Wu waited to be called onto the court, Balding noticed the outfit and immediately expressed how much she liked it. The television veteran said: “Oooh, look at that! Look at the blazer. That’s new for this year. Very smart.
“But you can see how much already Djokovic is enjoying this. And he still, maybe it’s the blazer and the schoolboy look, but he still looks very youthful doesn’t he?”
Djokovic’s blazer is understood to be a custom fit made by his long-term sponsor Lacoste, who he has worked with as a global brand ambassador since May 2017. Balding referred to his slick look as he stepped out onto Centre Court.
In her introduction, she said: “It is 21 years since Novak Djokovic made his debut here at Wimbledon and yet, here he is, and he’s one of the main contenders to win the title. He is about to start his campaign in that beautiful blazer which clearly has been specially designed for this year.
“Bear in mind the history that he is aiming for, trying to become the first person, male or female, to win 25 Grand Slam titles. He already has 24, he’s level with Margaret Court. Could he also win an eighth singles title here at Wimbledon.”
Djokovic is one of the main favourites to lift the title at Wimbledon with Carlos Alcaraz absent. He also boasts seven Wimbledon titles and is only one Grand Slam victory away from surpassing Court’s record.
Another victory at SW19 would also make him the joint most successful player in the Grand Slam with Roger Federer, who won eight titles in 12 appearances at the historic championship.