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The All-England Club announced on Thursday that Wimbledon would relax its rules allowing female players to wear dark-colored undershot from next year's tournament to ease anxiety over playing during the periods. Female players have raised their voices upfront, demanding an exception to the traditional rules requiring them to wear all-white clothing.
"We have discussed and held various discussions following the feedback from all quarters. We are committed to supporting the players and listening to the version from female athletes. I am pleased to confirm that, following consultation with players and representatives of several stakeholders' groups, the management committee has decided to update the white clothing rule at Wimbledon," said Wimbledon chief executive Sally Bolton.
With that development, women and girls competing at The Championships can wear colored undershot if they choose. "We hope this rule adjustment will help players focus purely on their performance by relieving a potential source of anxiety," added Mr. Bolton.
The decision follows the example of a series of women's football teams, including Manchester City, to abandon playing in white shorts. During the 2022 tournament, a campaigner from Address the Dress Code staged a protest outside the main gate at Wimbledon over its all-white clothing policy. The protestors wore white skirts with red undershot to highlight the anxiety females face competing in traditional whites.
Even in July, British tennis star Alicia Barnett opened up about the stress of wearing Wimbledon whites while on her period and trying to play world-class tennis. "I think being on your period on tour is hard enough, but to wear whites as well isn't easy."
