REVEALED: Jannik Sinner’s bespoke Gucci duffle bag that needed approval from strict Wimbledon bosses to become the first of its kind on Center Court as designer brands try to make their mark on SW19
- Wimbledon has become famous for its strict requirements for all-white uniforms
- However, Jannik Sinner made a bold fashion choice for his first round match
- The Italian was allowed to wear a luxury Gucci bag on court
Italian tennis star Jannik Sinner made a surprising fashion choice for his first-round Wimbledon clash with Francisco Cerundolo.
Wimbledon is known for its strict all-white uniform requirements, and their official website states that this doesn’t even include ‘off-white or cream’.
Despite the strict rules governing what players are allowed to wear or wear on the pitch, the 21-year-old stepped onto Center Court with 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 meet the brown leather.
Sinner’s bold fashion choice marked the first time a luxury bag appeared on Wimbledon’s Center Court.
Jannik Sinner made a bold fashion choice for his opening match at Wimbledon as he walked onto Center Court wearing a luxurious, bespoke Gucci duffel bag
It is the first time a player has worn a luxury bag on Wimbledon’s Center Court
The bag could make a second appearance after the world number 8 cruised through his first-round match against Argentina’s Francisco Cerundolo
“Quite a statement indeed,” said Sinner, who is number 8 in the world ranking WWD prior to his first round match.
“The first time a high-end luxury piece of luggage has been brought onto the track. The perfect bag had to be big enough for all the things I need on the track and at the same time easy to carry.”
He added, “This will definitely spark a conversation. Bringing sport and luxury fashion together in this way is something that has never been done before and I am 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 “appreciates traditions” at Wimbledon.
Gucci isn’t the only luxury house looking to join young tennis stars, with both Carlos Alcaraz and Naomi Osaka becoming ambassadors for Louis Vuitton.
However, it is true that Alcaraz, the world No. 1, could make a similar fashion statement when he faces Jeremy Chardy on Court One on Tuesday afternoon.
Australian tennis star Nick Kyrgios broke the strict ‘all white rules’ at Wimbledon twice last year. After wearing red Air Jordans and a baseball cap for his fourth round match, he wore a red cap when he received his second trophy from Kate Middleton after losing the men’s final.
However, Gucci 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 the bag met the necessary requirements.
Meanwhile, he carried his rackets in a standard white Headbag.
Wimbledon has a strict dress code with Nick Kyrgios committing a foul last year while wearing red trainers and a baseball cap
Gucci, along with Sinner’s representatives, was given permission to carry the luxury bag
Roger Federer (pictured) and Serena Williams also had close ties to Gucci, but never showed the Italian brand on the court at Wimbledon
Sinner first became a Gucci ambassador in July 2022 and was recently featured in their Campaign ‘A Hero’s Journey’ – telling about his personal experiences and road to success.
While he’s not the first tennis player to have ties to Gucci, he’s the first to show off his work on the Wimbledon court.
Even players like Roger Federer and Serena Williams, who also had close ties to the Italian brand, never did.
Sinner’s sack could be ready for a second appearance at Wimbledon after going through his first-round match with Cerundolo, 6-2 6-2 6-2, and will face another Argentine opponent in Diego Schwartzman on Wednesday.