Wimbledon paid respects to Liverpool forward Diogo Jota as Portuguese player Francisco Cabral wore a black ribbon on his sleeve during his doubles match on Friday.
The All England Club relaxed its traditional all-white dress code to allow a tribute to the late Portugal international.
Jota, 28, and his brother Andre Silva tragically died in a car crash in northern Spain while travelling to catch a ferry to England ahead of pre-season training.
The accident came just days after Jota’s wedding to Rute Cardoso, with whom he had three children.
Speaking after his defeat alongside Austrian partner Lucas Miedler against the Czech team of Petr Nouza and Patrik Rikl, Cabral reflected on Jota’s impact.
“He was an idol, an icon, and a genuinely good person,” Cabral said. “I know what he’s been through and all he achieved in his career and life. He’s truly inspiring to me.”
Cabral also extended his condolences to Jota’s family, hoping they find strength surrounded by supportive loved ones.
British doubles player Neal Skupski, a devoted Liverpool fan, had planned to wear a black armband during his match on Thursday but decided against it.
He indicated he might don the armband later in the tournament, saying, “Maybe in the next couple of days.”
