Wimbledon star Francisco Cabral has stepped onto court sporting a black ribbon on his shirt sleeve in tribute to his compatriot Diogo Jota in the wake of the Liverpool star’s tragic death on Thursday morning.
The Portugual international was driving through Zamora in northern Spain with his brother Andre Silva in a bid to catch a ferry that would take him back to England to link up with his side ahead of pre-season.
The 28-year-old’s death has plunged both his home country and his adopted one into mourning, with Premier League fans travelling to Anfield to pay tribute to the forward.
In SW19, the All England Club announced that they would relax their stringent all-white rules for players on-court to allow those who wished to sport armbands or tributes to do so.
Cabral heard of Jota’s death as he was making his way into Wimbledon ahead of his doubles clash with Jamie Murray and Rajeev Ram, and told Mail Sport that although he didn’t know the player personally, he knew through a mutual friend that he was a ‘great guy’.
‘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,’ Cabral said on Thursday.
Francisco Cabral sported a black ribbon in tribute to his countryman Diogo Jota at Wimbledon
Cabral shared a poignant message after hearing of Jota’s death on his way into SW19
The doubles world No40 called Jota a ‘great man’ and an ‘icon’ in their shared homeland
‘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.’
Doubles world No40 Cabral and his partner Lucas Miedler are facing off with Petr Nouza and Patrik Riki on Court No5 for a spot in the third round of the men’s doubles.
Another doubles player, Liverpool superfan Neal Skupski, also suggested that he might sport an armband for his mixed clash alongside US star Desirae Krawczyk, which also takes place on Friday.
The British star suffered a double heartbreak on Thursday as he learned that his grandmother had also passed away after he and partner Joe Salisbury defeated Joshua Paris and Charles Broom.
‘It’s been a tough day,’ said Skupski. ‘I found out this morning that Jota had passed away and then I just found out my nan had passed today as well, so it’s been a very tough day.’
Skupski had brought a black armband with him, but opted not to wear it as he was aware that his grandmother was unwell.
He did however hint that ‘in the coming days’, he might consider doing so.
