Carlos Alcaraz brings back Wimbledon cardigan in Roger Federer-inspired look

Carlos Alcaraz became the protagonist of a dramatic Day 1 battle at Wimbledon, as the defending champion was pushed to the brink by 38-year-old Fabio Fognini.

The No. 2 seed eventually prevailed over five grueling sets—but for tennis fashion fans, the most talked-about moment came before the first ball was struck.

Read More: Carlos Alcaraz keeps roller-coasting. Will it ever cost him? | Wimbledon Wrap, Day 1

Alcaraz stepped onto Centre Court in a new all-white outfit, highlighted by the NikeCourt London Slam Cardigan. Part of Nike’s retro-inspired Wimbledon collection, the look merged classic tennis tradition with a fresh “formal meets informal” twist.

It also evoked memories of one of the sport’s most iconic fashion statements: Roger Federer’s cable-knit cardigan from the 2008 Wimbledon Championships. Back then, Federer was himself the five-time defending champion, and his custom-designed, gold-trimmed outfit marked a sartorial coronation for the king of Centre Court.

Designed by Jason Badden in collaboration with then-sponsor Nike, the cream-colored cardigan was completely custom-made. Every detail was personalized, down to the wooden buttons that were hand-carved with his “RF” logo and references to his five men’s singles titles.

The outfit set off a frenzy of debate. Was it too much hubris for the normally understated Federer? How did cream and gold fit into the All England Club’s dress code? Either way, the look became iconic—immortalized not only in tennis lore, but also at the Rafa Nadal Museum in Mallorca, where it’s been displayed alongside the Spaniard’s gear from their epic 2008 final.

Alcaraz, meanwhile, is one of several Nike representatives who hit the courts on Monday sporting the 2025 London Collection cardigan. There’s no custom logo for the Spaniard yet, although it’s rumored to be in the works. Instead, the NikeCourt logo patch and five-button closure give the garment a classic look, while intentional distressing gives it a grungy twist.

The lighter poly-blend fabric also came through during a soaring Day 1, which saw temperatures set a new record high. Alcaraz kept his cool to survive the opening scare against Fognini, winning 7-5, 6-7 (1), 7-5, 2-6, 6-1. It's the first time a defending champion has been pushed to five sets in the opening round since Federer himself in 2010.

“I think battling the heat is one of the things that we have to do (as tennis players),” Alcaraz told press afterward. “I think we have to deal with it in the best way possible.”

Alcaraz, the No. 2 seed, will be back in action on Wednesday to face British qualifier Oliver Tarvet in the second round.