9 hours ago
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A Portuguese player at Wimbledon is set to wear a black armband in memory of his ‘idol’ Diogo Jota, with the All England Club relaxing their all-white clothing rule to allow the gesture.
Francisco Cabral, the doubles world No 40, heard of his countryman’s death on his way into Wimbledon.
‘I don't know him personally but I have a friend that knows him, he was a great guy,’ he said.
‘Very, very sad news, not only in the sports world but in Portugal overall, because he's such an idol, such an icon, such a good person.
‘I got the news when I was driving to Wimbledon. I just wish all the best for his family. I know they have good people around them so I hope they can get through it.
‘I know what he’s been through, what he conquered through his career and through his life. So he's just very inspiring for me.’
Liverpool footballer Diogo Jota, pictured getting married to his wife less than two weeks ago, passed away aged 28 after a tragic car crash in Spain
Wimbledon is relaxing its all-white clothing rule to allow players to pay their respects to Jota
Francisco Cabral, the doubles world No 40, is set to wear a black armband in tribute to his ‘idol’
Cabral and his Austrian partner Lucas Miedler beat Scot Jamie Murray and American Rajeev Ram to reach the second round of the men’s doubles.
Asked if he would be wearing a black armband for his second round match, Cabral - who at 28 is the same age as Jota - replied: ‘Yeah, of course, I'm open to do it. I'll be very, very happy to.’
