Clare Balding has seen it all in her time working for the BBC and many more, but Novak Djokovic caught her by surprise at Wimbledon on day one
Clare Balding was caught off guard by one thing Novak Djokovic did(Image: BBC)
BBC presenter Clare Balding momentarily lost her composure live on air after Novak Djokovic appeared for his opening Wimbledon match dressed in an immaculate, commemorative blazer. The Serbian was the headline act at SW19 and his attire befitted the occasion.
The seven-time Wimbledon champion drew inspiration from Roger Federer by donning a crisp, white blazer, featuring a sharp black trim along the lapel. Djokovic seemed to be savouring his ensemble as he prepared to walk out onto Centre Court for his first-round clash against Chinese player Wu Yubing.
This marks Djokovic’s 21st Wimbledon campaign, yet he has never previously worn such an outfit at the All England Club.
JOIN OUR WALES FOOTBALL FB PAGE! Get latest news, analysis and more on The Dragons
As he and Wu awaited their call onto court, Balding spotted the outfit and instantly voiced her admiration. The broadcasting veteran said: “Oooh, look at that! Look at the blazer.
“That’s new for this year. Very smart. But you can see how much already Djokovic is enjoying this. And he still, maybe it’s the blazer and the schoolboy look, but he still looks very youthful doesn’t he?”
Djokovic’s blazer is believed to be a bespoke creation produced by his long-standing sponsor Lacoste, with whom he has collaborated as a global brand ambassador since May 2017. Balding remarked on his polished appearance as he made his entrance onto Centre Court.
Content cannot be displayed without consent
In her introduction, she remarked: “It is 21 years since Novak Djokovic made his debut here at Wimbledon and yet, here he is.
“He’s one of the main contenders to win the title. He is about to start his campaign in that beautiful blazer which clearly has been specially designed for this year.
“Bear in mind the history that he is aiming for, trying to become the first person, male or female, to win 25 Grand Slam titles. He already has 24, he’s level with Margaret Court. Could he also win an eighth singles title here at Wimbledon.”
Djokovic’s blazer left Balding and his fans aghast(Image: Getty)
With Carlos Alcaraz absent from this year’s tournament, Djokovic stands as one of the leading favourites to claim the Wimbledon crown. The Serbian star already has seven Wimbledon titles to his name and requires just one further Grand Slam triumph to eclipse Court’s all-time record.
A further victory at SW19 would additionally see him draw level with Roger Federer as the most decorated player in Grand Slam history, with the Swiss great having claimed eight titles from 12 appearances at the prestigious championship.
Buy Wimbledon 2026 VIP tickets from Seat Unique
This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
Prices vary
Seat Unique
Wimbledon 2026 is just around the corner and Seat Unique has tickets on sale now with VIP access.