LONDON (AP) — Wimbledon has relaxed its all-white dress requirement to allow players to wear colored briefs to make them more comfortable during their periods.
Wimbledon’s strict all-white policy for players is one of the best-known features of the grass-court Grand Slam tournament, but the All England Club said on Thursday it decided to update the rules after discussions “with the WTA, manufacturers of medical clothing and equipment on how best to support the women and girls competing in the championships.”
The new rules state that women can now “wear solid medium/dark colored underpants, as long as they are no longer than the shorts or skirt.”
All other requirements for clothing and accessories remain unchanged, including the stipulation that “competitors must wear appropriate tennis clothing that is nearly all white.”
“We are committed to supporting the players and listening to their feedback on how they can perform at their best,” said Sally Bolton, chief executive of the All England Club. “We hope this rule adjustment will help players focus solely on their performance by alleviating a potential source of anxiety.”
The All England Club also said Wimbledon posted its second-highest profit of 47.1 million ($55.5 million) in 2022, trailing only 2019. Of that, 90% will be distributed to the Lawn Tennis Association” in benefit of British tennis”. .”
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