Nice try Nick Kyrgios, but that official Wimbledon headband is in violation of the Wimbledon dress code.

Kyrgios valiantly tried to thwart the All England Lawn Tennis Club’s rigid “all white” clothing rule Friday during his match against Milos Raonic of Canada during the third round of the tournament by wearing an official Wimbledon headband.

However, the accessory’s green-and-purple stripe were too colorful for the Grand Slam and he was forced to wear the headband inside out. Rules are rules.

Krygios’ play, however, didn’t lack any color.


The Australian received a code violation for throwing his racket into the ground and bouncing it into the crowd during his victory over Raonic, 5-7, 7-5, 7-6 (3), 6-3.

It wasn’t always so tough, but last year Wimbledon introduced stricter guidelines that banned even off-white and cream-colored attire. Even one’s underwear must comply.

Roger Federer of Switzerland, a seven-time Wimbledon champion, spoke out against the strictness of the dress code on Thursday after his match against Sam Querrey of the United States.

In 2013, Federer, as the reigning Wimbledon champion, was forced to change his shoes because the orange sole on the bottom of his white shoes was too gaudy.


“I mean, that it’s all white, we’re all for it. We get that,” Federer said. “I just find it quite extreme to what extent it’s got to be white.”

Seriously, now even official gear isn’t official enough.

Follow Matt Wilhalme on Twitter @mattwilhalme