Popular Press: Female players join appeal for Wimbledon’s all-white attire policy to be scrapped
This article discusses the debate between women tennis players and the strict rules for wearing white at Wimbledon. I have shared some of the quotes within this article, voiced by top female tennis players who have mentioned the issues or concerns relating to menstrual cycles, periods, uniforms and their personal experiences during matches...
Article by Jessie Tu for Women’s Agenda July 2022
“It’s an anxiety most women are familiar with — avoiding white attire during your period. But female tennis players competing at Wimbledon have historically been denied the freedom to wear anything other.
As it’s laid out on the official tournament website, “Competitors must be dressed in suitable tennis attire that is almost entirely white and this applies from the point at which the player enters the court surround.”
The clothing refers to all clothing, including tracksuits and sweaters, worn on tournament courts both during practice and for matches. “White does not include off white or cream,” the rule continues…”
Quotes by athletes:
“It’s true, I myself had to skip my period around Wimbledon for the reason that I didn’t want to worry about bleeding through. We already have enough stress.”
“One time I got a period mid-match,” she wrote. “I went to the bathroom and then was like oh surprise. We are only allowed two toilet breaks during the match.”
“Thank god I had a female umpire. I explained to her what is happening and then I waited for someone to bring me a tampon because I didn’t have any.”
“I cannot imagine going into the biggest day of my life, with my period, and being forced to wear white.”
“I wish I can be a man on court, but I cannot in that moment…I really wish I can be (a) man (so) that I don’t have to suffer from this [PMS and cramping].”