A Historic Moment Unveiled at Wimbledon Thanks to an Outfit Detail

Female tennis stars wear non-white undergarments at Wimbledon for the first time.

In a historic move, female tennis stars at Wimbledon have been seen wearing non-white undergarments for the first time in the tournament's history. This seemingly minor detail has marked a significant moment in the event's long-standing traditions. Known for its strict dress code, Wimbledon requires players to wear all white during matches. However, this year, the All England Club, which organizes the tournament, has decided to relax the rule specifically regarding white undershorts for female players.

Reigning champion Elena Rybakina, along with other players like Shelby Rogers, Aryna Sabalenka, and Panna Udvardy, have embraced this change by opting for black undergarments. World No 1 Victoria Azarenka, who was the first to take the court in dark green shorts, expressed her appreciation for the new rule, stating that it was an important and thoughtful step.

The decision to allow non-white undergarments originated from discussions with players who shared their anxiety about wearing white garments during their menstrual cycles. In response, the tournament organizers announced the change in 2022, to be implemented in the 2023 tournament. This adjustment aims to provide more comfort and inclusivity for female players.

While some tennis stars, like Rybakina and Azarenka, have embraced the rule change, others have expressed concerns. Tunisian tennis star Ons Jabeur highlighted the potential issue of the outfit choice revealing that a player is on her period. Jabeur suggested that it would be better for all women to wear black undergarments to avoid any potential stigma or discrimination. However, she also acknowledged that Wimbledon's efforts to make female players feel more comfortable on the court are commendable.

It is important to note that this rule change only applies to undershorts for women, and the requirement for all players to wear all white attire remains intact. Wimbledon, as the oldest tennis tournament in the world, continues to adapt and evolve while preserving its prestigious traditions. The introduction of non-white undergarments for female players signifies a progressive step towards greater inclusivity and support for women in the sport.