Lewis Hamilton was denied entry to the Centre Court after he flouted the rules of Wimbledon despite clear instructions 

Lewis Hamilton was once barred from entering Centre Court to watch the Wimbledon final for disobeying the dress code.

Lewis Hamilton was denied entry to the Centre Court after he flouted the rules of Wimbledon despite clear instructions 

Lewis Hamilton's attire for the event and his invitation card (Credits: Daily Mail)

Back in 2015, Formula One champion Lewis Hamilton experienced an unexpected setback when he was turned away from Wimbledon’s Centre Court due to a dress code violation. This incident sparked controversy and raised questions about the strict guidelines enforced at the renowned event.

Lewis Hamilton had received an invitation to the royal box at Wimbledon to watch the men’s singles final between Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer. The racing driver put up the following message on Instagram, “On my way to Wimbledon to watch the final! Honored to have been invited to watch the men’s finals from the Royal Box!” However, upon arriving at Centre Court, Hamilton was denied entry due to his outfit not meeting the strict dress code requirements.

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The British superstar, in his usual flamboyant dressing sense, wore a floral shirt and trousers to the event. Having missed out on wearing a jacket or tie, he was denied entry.

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The AELTC, which hosts the Wimbledon tournament, has a dress code that attendees must adhere to. This applies all the more in the royal box. Men invited to this exclusive area are expected to wear a jacket, tie, and appropriate shoes. This sartorial tradition aims to maintain a certain level of decorum and respect for the event.

Also read: Wimbledon 2023: Carlos Alcaraz vs Matteo Berrettini Preview, Prediction and Live Stream

Wimbledon Authorities backed the decision

Hamilton's chair in the Royal Box where he was supposed to sit
Hamilton’s chair in the Royal Box where he was supposed to sit (Credits: the Telegraph)

Confirming his failure to attend, a Wimbledon spokesperson stated, “If he was not adequately dressed, you could infer that he would not have been let in, but we do not comment on our guests. If he came without a jacket, tie or shoes, he would have had two choices – not staying, or going to get some extra stuff.”

Alan Chalmers, the VIP security chief at Wimbledon, supported the decision to refuse Hamilton entry. He told ‘Wales Online’ “It was not my job to tell Lewis Hamilton he couldn’t come in. But I would have to say it was the correct decision. He wasn’t wearing a jacket or tie. Wimbledon is not a beach in Marbella, it’s a major tennis tournament.”

Many fans denounced Wimbledon’s seemingly unnecessary dress code. However, a majority was of the opinion that adhering to the dress code shouldn’t really be that difficult a task for any attendee. Former Wimbledon finalist Andy Roddick was quick to remark that Hamilton likely chose to disobey the code in spite of being aware of it, given how it is mentioned on the invitation card. “Even when the invite says ‘please wear a jacket and tie?’ … This obnoxious American (referring to himself) is ok with it.”

This incident that happened 8 years back is a testament to just how strictly Wimbledon holds its rules and principles.

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