Wimbledon is very particular about its tradition and rules. Especially the all-white rule is taken very seriously and at times, players are asked about it. And now, Karen Khachanov had a talking with the chair umpire over his cap not being white enough in his quarterfinal clash against Denis Shapovalov.
Khachanov’s cap was white on the outside, however, its insides weren’t white enough. The lower brim of the cap was black in color and that prompted the chair umpire to have a chat with Karen Khachanov. Hence, Khachanov then didn’t use that cap and was forced to replace it.
Apparently the inside of Khachanov's hat isn't white enough.
Has this not come up in any of his previous matches? https://t.co/C3ijBfMKHa
— The Tennis Podcast (@TennisPodcast) July 7, 2021
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
What rule did Karen Khachanov break at Wimbledon Championships 2021?
Many might be wondering, whether the all-white rule of Wimbledon applies to caps. And it does, Wimbledon is as strict with the cap as it is with other clothing. The rule says,” Caps (including the underbill), headbands, bandanas, wristbands and socks must be completely white except for a single trim of colour no wider than one centimetre (10mm)”.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Earlier Indy de Vroome, a WTA player ranked 206th was caught by the chair umpire for her cap. In her loss at the qualifying stages of the Grand Slam, the chair umpire asked her to not use the cap again. “The ref telling me that the inside of my cap isn?t white enough,? she said.
Many say that the lower brim of the cap should be dark-colored as it doesn’t reflect light and makes it easier to see during heavy sunshine. But Wimbledon will not budge in this matter despite the scientific reasoning behind it.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
In the match, however, that talking from Khachanov came at a crunch time. The Russian was keeping up with Shapovalov in the first set, however, he lost his serve at 4-4 and the Canadian served for the first set. Shapovalov then won the first set 6-4. In the second set, however, Khachanov took a 4-0 lead and looked to bagel Shapovalov. But the Canadian stretched the set, to 5-3, where Khachanov served out the set, 6-4, at the time of writing.