Andy Murray opts for WOOL tennis gear for Wimbledon to absorb extra moisture

Andy Murray has opted to mark his first appearance at Wimbledon in four years by wearing a new kit – par of which is made from wool.

The British tennis star, 34, who has not played at the prestigious tournament since 2017, will wear a merino wool jersey.

Stars have not routinely worn wool since Fred Perry’s all-conquering time on the grass in the 1930s. The star famously sported his V-neck pullovers. 

Given that the Wimbledon championships are played in leafy south-west London in the height of summer, today’s players are often drenched in sweat – even when they wear the most modern fabrics.

But, according to the Telegraph, Murray has worked with kit manufacturer Castore to create a design that absorbs enough moisture for the Scot to play a whole match without needing to change his kit – as has been routine in the past. 

Andy Murray has opted to mark his first appearance at Wimbledon in four years by wearing a new kit – par of which is made from wool. Names the Andy Murray Collection, it is made by British firm Castore. Pictured: Murray is seen wearing AMC kit during his practice session at Wimbledon on Friday

Castore, who have named the kit the Andy Murray Collection (AMC), is also said to have offered Murray an extra supply of sweatbands.  

Merino wool is popular with some athletes for its ability to absorb a lot of moisture. 

According to Castore, ‘no other fibre can match all of its natural benefits with exceptional breathability, thermoregulation and supreme softness next to the skin, helping players keep cool and comfortable on court’.

Murray says on the firm’s website: ‘I work with the AMC designers on every piece, with technical performance at the heart of the process.

‘It’s important that the kit performs under the toughest conditions.

‘I really enjoy resting it, giving my feedback and being part of the design process.’ 

Stars have not routinely worn wool since Fred Perry's all-conquering time on the grass in the 1930s. The star famously sported his V-neck pullovers. Other Wimbledon legends to have worn wool in the past include Rene Lacoste and Jean Barotra (pictured above in 1924)

Stars have not routinely worn wool since Fred Perry’s all-conquering time on the grass in the 1930s. The star famously sported his V-neck pullovers. Other Wimbledon legends to have worn wool in the past include Rene Lacoste and Jean Barotra (pictured above in 1924)

A spokesman for Castore told The Telegraph that merino wool ‘performs extremely well during intense exercise’. 

Other Wimbledon legends to have worn wool in the past include Rene Lacoste and Jean Barotra.

It comes after Murray practised with eight-time Wimbledon champion Roger Federer on Friday on Wimbledon’s Court 14.   

The Swiss icon has touched-down in south-west London to begin his 22nd British Open, with Grand Slam tennis returning to the capital after last year’s cancellation. 

An injury-plagued four years have kept Murray on the sidelines, with the 2013 and 2016 champion back via a wildcard entry in 2021.  

Andy Murray and Rodger Federer were on court together on Friday at the All England Club

Andy Murray and Rodger Federer were on court together on Friday at the All England Club 

The iconic pair took in a practise session together, with the tournament starting on Monday

The iconic pair took in a practise session together, with the tournament starting on Monday

To limber-up ahead of their first-round matches on Monday, both men were on court at the All England Club on Friday for a practise session.

Murray and Federer were both seen smiling and enjoying a laugh in the sun on Court 14, with the experienced pro’s appearing relaxed before the tournament. 

The Scottish star will take on Nikoloz Basilashvili in his first-round match, with the Georgian lying No. 28 in the world rankings. 

Federer takes on Adrian Mannarino, the No.42 who was beaten by the Swiss champion in the last-16 at the All England Club back in 2018. 

Federer comes into the competition a little off-form, having pulled-out of the French Open

Federer comes into the competition a little off-form, having pulled-out of the French Open 

The duo both begin their Wimbledon tilts on Monday, with Murray up against a tough draw

The duo both begin their Wimbledon tilts on Monday, with Murray up against a tough draw 

Grand Slam tennis returns to the All England Club after the event was cancelled last year

Grand Slam tennis returns to the All England Club after the event was cancelled last year 

The 39-year-old was into the fourth round at the French Open earlier this month when he withdrew to ‘protect my body’. 

‘After two knee surgeries and over a year of rehabilitation it’s important that I listen to my body and make sure I don’t push myself too quickly on my road to recovery,’ the 20-time Grand Slam winner said.   

Federer then suffered a shock defeat to Canadian Felix Auger-Aliassime at the Halle Open, where Murray’s first-round opponent, Basilashvili, made the semi-final.

Defending champions Novak Djokovic enter the tournament as the favourite after a stunning victory at Roland Garros.