BBC presenter Clare Balding momentarily lost her composure live on air after Novak Djokovic appeared for his opening Wimbledon match dressed in an immaculate, commemorative blazer. The Serbian was the headline act at SW19 and his attire befitted the occasion.
Djokovic's Federer-Inspired Blazer
The seven-time Wimbledon champion drew inspiration from Roger Federer by donning a crisp, white blazer, featuring a sharp black trim along the lapel. Djokovic seemed to be savouring his ensemble as he prepared to walk out onto Centre Court for his first-round clash against Chinese player Wu Yubing. This marks Djokovic's 21st Wimbledon campaign, yet he has never previously worn such an outfit at the All England Club.
As he and Wu awaited their call onto court, Balding spotted the outfit and instantly voiced her admiration. The broadcasting 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?"
Bespoke Lacoste Creation
Djokovic's blazer is believed to be a bespoke creation produced by his long-standing sponsor Lacoste, with whom he has collaborated as a global brand ambassador since May 2017. Balding remarked on his polished appearance as he made his entrance onto Centre Court.
In her introduction, she remarked: "It is 21 years since Novak Djokovic made his debut here at Wimbledon and yet, here he is. 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."
Record-Breaking Ambitions
Balding added: "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." With Carlos Alcaraz absent from this year's tournament, Djokovic stands as one of the leading favourites to claim the Wimbledon crown. The Serbian star already has seven Wimbledon titles to his name and requires just one further Grand Slam triumph to eclipse Court's all-time record. A further victory at SW19 would additionally see him draw level with Roger Federer as the most decorated player in Grand Slam history, with the Swiss great having claimed eight titles from 12 appearances at the prestigious championship.
