Wimbledon’s history-making rule change comes into effect
While Wimbledon is widely anticipated for its star-studded tennis line-up and fierce competition, the 2023 tournament is bringing something new to the table - or rather, to the dressing room.
Since the tournament’s inception, the rules have required all players to wear white - including but not limited to the likes of bras and underwear - while competing in the prestigious event.
However, in the wake of heavy criticism and petition from Wimbledon’s menstruating competitors, the All England Club finally relaxed the strict dress code, allowing for players the opportunity to wear coloured undershorts rather than just white.
And while the move was announced in 2022, the 2023 contest will be the first time players - and viewers - experience the update.
Most were thrilled with the outcome, and were looking forward to reaping the benefits of the long-awaited update, but some players had their hesitations and weren’t sure if they’d be hopping onboard with the others.
As 2022 Wimbledon finalist and Tunisian tennis star Ons Jabeur told The Mirror, there were “two things” holding her back.
“One thing, it’s better definitely not to be paranoid,” she allowed, before noting that “the other thing, everybody will know that you have your period. So I’m not sure which part of it is good.
“I don’t think I’m going to wear anything,” she revealed. “If all the girls will wear it, I think it will make it better. But I think it’s a great thing that Wimbledon is trying to help women feel more comfortable on the court.”
The campaign behind that ‘help’ skyrocketed in 2022 when Judy Murray - tennis coach and mother to Andy and Jamie Murray - declared her support for the cause.
She later voiced her support for the update while speaking to CLAY, telling the publication that “it was many years ago that perhaps Wimbledon didn't understand the trauma of women players playing during the period, fearing what might happen if you wear white.
“Thank goodness that's changed."
And the people in charge had positive words to share on the matter too, with All England Club CEO Sally Bolton releasing a statement that read, "we are committed to supporting the players and listening to their feedback as to how they can perform at their best …
"It is our hope that this rule adjustment will help players focus purely on their performance by relieving a potential source of anxiety."
Images: Getty