REVEALED: Jannik Sinner’s custom-made Gucci duffel bag that required approval from strict Wimbledon bosses to become the first of its kind on Centre Court as designer brands try to make their mark at SW19
- Wimbledon has become famous for its strict all-white uniform requirements
- Jannik Sinner though made a bold fashion choice for his first round match
- The Italian received clearance to wear a luxury Gucci bag out onto court
Italian tennis star Jannik Sinner made a surprising fashion choice for his first round Wimbledon clash with Francisco Cerundolo.
Wimbledon is famous for its strict all-white uniform requirements, with their official website stating that this doesn’t even include ‘off white or cream’.
Despite the strict rule book that regulates what players can wear or carry out onto the court, the 21-year-old stepped out onto Centre Court carrying a custom Gucci duffel bag.
It featured the signature GG monogram with a green and red web stripe with his initials marked against where the straps connect to the brown leather.
Sinner’s bold fashion choice was the first time that a luxury bag has made an appearance on Centre Court at Wimbledon.
Jannik Sinner made a bold fashion choice for his opening Wimbledon match as he walked out onto Centre Court with a luxury custom Gucci duffel bag
It is the first time that a player has wore a luxury bag out onto Centre Court at Wimbledon
The bag might make a second appearance after the World No 8 cruised through his first round match against Argentine Francisco Cerundolo
‘Quite a statement indeed,’ Sinner, who is ranked No 8 in the world, told WWD ahead of his first round match.
‘First time a high-end luxury luggage piece has been brought on court. The perfect bag had to be big enough to hold all the things I need with me on court and easy to carry at the same time.’
He added: ‘For sure this will create a conversation. Bringing sport and luxury fashion together in this way is something that’s never been done before and I feel extremely proud to be a part of it. I hope people will love it as much as I do.’
Sinner also said the bag was a ‘timeless classic’ and ‘values traditions’ at Wimbledon.
Gucci isn’t the only luxury house looking to align itself with young tennis stars with both Carlos Alcaraz and Naomi Osaka becoming ambassadors for Louis Vuitton.
It’s though that Alcaraz, ranked No 1 in the world, might pull off a similar fashion statement when he faces Jeremy Chardy on Court One on Tuesday afternoon.
Australian tennis star Nick Kyrgios last year broke the strict ‘all-white rules’ at Wimbledon on two separate occasions. After wearing red Air Jordans and a baseball cap for his fourth round match, he then wore a red cap when receiving his runner-up trophy from Kate Middleton after losing the men’s final.
Gucci though said it worked with Sinner’s team for approvals from the International Tennis Federation, the Association of Tennis Professionals and the Grand Slams, including Wimbledon, to ensure that the bag met the necessary requirements.
Wimbledon has strict attire rules with Nick Kyrgios falling foul last year wearing red trainers and a baseball cap
Gucci, together with Sinner’s representatives, got clearance for him to wear the luxury bag
Roger Federer (pictured) and Serena Williams also had close ties with Gucci but never showed off the Italian brand on court at Wimbledon
He carried his rackets meanwhile in a standard white Head bag.
While Kyrgios refused to back down over his decision to break Wimbledon’s strict dress code, Sinner was keen to respect the Competition’s traditions despite breaking the mould with his Gucci fashion choice in the first round.
He told GQ Magazine: ‘Wimbledon is the most historic and prestigious tournament in tennis. The strict dress code is rooted in tradition, respect for the sport’s history and a desire to maintain formality.
‘It also creates a very unique atmosphere which makes Wimbledon really special, in my opinion.’
Sinner first became an ambassador for Gucci in July 2022 and was recently featured in their ‘A Hero’s Journey’ campaign – narrating his personal experiences and path to success.
Though he is not the first tennis player to have links with Gucci, he is the first to show off their work out on court at Wimbledon.
Even players such as Roger Federer and Serena Williams, who also had close relationships with the Italian brand never did so.
Sinner’s bag could be set for a second appearance at Wimbledon after he cruised through his first round match with Cerundolo, 6-2 6-2 6-2, and will face another Argentine opponent in Diego Schwartzman on Wednesday.