South African Kevin Anderson has been allowed to infringe on Wimbledon's strict and traditional white colour code because of medical reasons.
This came to light after his epic 7-6, 6-7, 6-7, 6-4, 26-24 victory over John Isner in the semifinals on Friday night in which both players went through the pain and exhaustion barrier to play some breathtaking tennis.
Asked in the post-match press conference why he was wearing black compression shorts under his white shorts, Anderson explained that he had a recurring hamstring issue over the last 18 months.
"My understanding is when there's a medical device and it is of colour it's okay. These aren't your normal compression shorts and are pretty specialised. So that's why they approved it and allowed me to wear it," said Anderson.
When asked what got him through this gruelling semifinal, the longest in Wimbledon history, he replied: "I don't know what got me through other than just a will to try to succeed, to keep pushing myself.
"I tried as much as I could to just keep fighting. I take a lot of pride in that. Fortunately, I was able to find a way over the finish line."
Anderson was asked how close he was to breaking point physically and what it felt like during that fifth set.
"You're really in a war of attrition out there. It's way beyond a normal tennis match or tactics. I mean, it's just who's going to, you know, outlast each other.
"It's pretty tough in the format that we have right now, especially at Slams. I mean, it's not easy in that setting at the end. Coming through that match, obviously, I'm ecstatic to be through to the finals.
Talking about how his body was going to recover before Sunday's final Anderson said: "My physio said to me that after six hours, I need to spend another 10 minutes on the bike. I actually went straight into the ice tank, then I did the stretching. I actually ate before stretching, as well.
"Obviously trying to get sort of food and nutrition back in my body is a challenge because you definitely don't feel like eating, but you have to somehow force it down.
"When I get back home tonight (Friday), we have to sort of see. Obviously I need a lot of treatment in terms of getting the body back balanced and stuff, but at the same time obviously sleep is important, too.
"As far as Saturday goes I think we're going to play it by ear, see how I feel, see how my body reacts in the morning. My feet are sore, they're swollen. The legs are pretty jelly-like."