Argentina's Marcelo Charpentier wore pristine white - according to Wimbledon tradition - for his match on Court 7 Tuesday with France's Cedric Pioline.
But his crewcut hair was purple and his left ear sported a dangling earring.The Wimbledon rulebook apparently doesn't forbid purple hair. Charpentier lost in four sets to the Frenchman, probably a relief to Wimbledon officials.
"I couldn't believe when I saw (his hair) was purple," said 19-year-old fan Julie Sawyer. "But I suppose it looks all right really - just not what you expect from Wimbledon."
BACK IN THE SADDLE: Martina Hingis is back doing what she likes best when she's not playing tennis: riding horses.
Two months ago, Hingis fell off a friend's horse and injured her left knee. She underwent arthroscopic surgery and was sidelined for seven weeks. She made her comeback at the French Open, where she lost in the final to Iva Majoli.
In the two-week break before Wimbledon, Hingis went riding for two hours a day in her native Czech Republic.
OLDEST PROFESSION: Scalpers are reported offering Centre Court tickets for $165 for first-week matches and $1,155 for two tickets for the men's final. Fans are warned not to buy from street vendors, but Scotland Yards admits the problem can't be wiped out.
STALKER: British newspapers have reported a stalker has threatened to follow American Gigi Fernandez throughout Wimbledon. The WTA Tour said it's aware of the situation but refused to comment. A Wimbledon official also declined to comment except to say security arrangements have been made.
At last month's French Open, an unidentified man approached Fernandez's coach and offered to pay to kiss her racket - which he was allowed to do without paying.