Wimbledon acknowledged the death of Portuguese soccer star Diogo Jota by allowing player Francisco Cabral to wear a black ribbon. The gesture marked a deviation from the club's all white policy. Although Cabral did not win his doubles match, he expressed gratitude for the chance to memorialize Jota, who was an idol in Portugal. Jota was admired for his integrity and inspiration, as noted by his connection with several athletes, including Serena Williams. Rafael Nadal and other tennis champions also shared sentiments of sorrow over the loss.
Francisco Cabral wore on his left arm sleeve a black ribbon in memory of the Liverpool forward, who died alongside his brother Andre Silva in a car crash near Zamora, Spain.
Cabral was grateful for the opportunity to express his grief at the death of the 28-year-old on Court 5 at the All England Lawn Tennis Club.
Tennis champions have been among those to express their sadness for the father of three, who once said that he looked to seven-time Wimbledon champion Serena Williams as an inspiration for his daughters to follow.
22-time major champion Rafael Nadal described the news of Jota's death as 'terribly sad and painful news'.
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