Matteo Berrettini was denied his Hugo Boss walk‑on jacket on 3 July 2026, forcing the former Wimbledon finalist to revert to the tournament’s mandatory all‑white attire. The Italian, who reached the final in 2021, had posted the beige‑brown ensemble on Instagram before the Championships, only to be told it was not white enough.
Why was the outfit rejected?
Wimbledon’s dress code requires competitors to wear "suitable tennis attire that is almost entirely white" from the moment they step onto the court surround. Berrettini’s jacket, described by the player as "a little bit off‑white, a little bit brownish," fell outside the strict interpretation. The All England Club’s officials refused the outfit despite the player’s sponsorship with Hugo Boss, emphasizing that the rule applies uniformly to all competitors.
How did the incident fit into Berrettini’s 2026 campaign?
The 30‑year‑old entered the 2026 Championships with a promising draw. He opened with a win over former champion Stan Wawrinka in the first round, then upset 20th seed Arthur Fils on Centre Court, setting up a third‑round clash with wildcard Grigor Dimitrov. After his second‑round victory, Berrettini explained the situation, saying, "There was an option, but I got refused by Wimbledon. It was not white enough."
His run has been hampered by lingering injury concerns, but the early‑round results show he can still challenge top players. The outfit controversy added a non‑technical hurdle, reminding fans that Wimbledon’s traditions extend beyond the baseline.
Who else faced dress‑code scrutiny?
American sixth seed Taylor Fritz also attracted attention with a bold Hugo Boss ensemble during his second‑round match against Patrick Kypson. Fritz admitted the flashy look added pressure, noting that a loss in a full outfit would look "stupid". Meanwhile, Naomi Osaka continued to dominate the fashion conversation, debuting a white "Kill Bill"‑inspired kimono and a floral‑trimmed jacket with a long train, both fully compliant with the all‑white rule.
What does this mean for Berrettini’s future at Wimbledon?
Berrettini’s experience underscores the fine line between personal branding and tournament regulations. While his on‑court performance remains the primary focus, the incident may influence how players and sponsors negotiate attire for future Grand Slams. The Italian will need to balance his Hugo Boss partnership with the club’s expectations if he hopes to make another deep run.
The episode also sparked debate among fans and commentators about the relevance of the all‑white tradition in modern tennis. Some argue the rule preserves Wimbledon’s iconic image, while others see it as an outdated constraint on player expression.
Berrettini’s next match against Dimitrov will test his resilience both mentally and physically. Whether he can channel the frustration of the dress‑code clash into a winning performance remains to be seen, but his recent victories suggest he still possesses the fire needed to compete at the highest level.