From next year, tennis players will be allowed to wear dark underpants on Wimbledon’s Sacred Lawn. As the All England Club announced on Thursday (11/17/2022), the strict dress code, which only allowed white outfits under tennis clothing, will be adjusted.
How athletes manage their periods during competition has received more attention recently. British tennis player Alicia Barnett, for example, spoke openly during this year’s Wimbledon tournament about the stress of having her period during the games and then having to wear white underwear.
“We are committed to supporting the players and listening to their feedback on how they can do their best,” said Wimbledon chief executive Sally Bolton. Going forward, the adjustment means “women and girls competing in the championships will have the option to wear colored underpants if they so choose.”
The new rule is intended to “help the players concentrate fully on their performance,” said Bolton. The decision follows the example of a number of women’s football teams, including Manchester City, who no longer play in white shorts. Wimbledon will take place from July 3rd to 16th in 2023.