In an article on Sky News, sports presenter Jacquie Beltrao writes: Wimbledon has relaxed its strict all-white dress code due to concerns raised by female tennis stars about playing while on their period. Coco Gauff and Heather Watson are among the sport’s stars who are welcoming the move – and the more open conversations around the issue.
In 2007, French tennis player Tatiana Golovin sent tournament officials at Wimbledon into a tailspin when she wore bright red shorts under her white dress.
Image Courtesy: Sky Sports (France’s Tatiana Golovin playing at Wimbledon in 2007)
After much discussion about hemlines and the Club’s all-white dress code, she was allowed to continue wearing them – although as her Wimbledon was quite short-lived, so was the underwear conversation.
But if Golovin was competing this year, her bright red shorts would be acceptable under new dress rules for female players.
For the first time, the All England Club will relax the rule on white clothing to alleviate “period anxiety”.
Coloured shorts under white skirts will be the new normal at SW19 and the female players could not be more relieved.
It has been a source of stress to many, including British player Heather Watson, who has been outspoken about the effect of periods on female sport and performance.
“When Wimbledon announced about the undershorts I was so happy because it makes such a difference,” she told Sky News.
“I speak openly about my period, I don’t think it’s a taboo subject and I would love for people to talk about it more.
“Last year I went on the pill to stop myself bleeding because I knew I had to wear white undershorts and I didn’t want any embarrassment.
“We’re running around sweating, doing the splits on court. This year I knew my period was going to be during Wimbledon again so I’m very happy I won’t have to do the same thing as last year.”
US tennis star Coco Gauff, 19, who is the 7th seed, is also very honest about her own experience of competing while on her period and says the new “relaxed” dress code is going to make a massive difference.
Read the full article here.
