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Wimbledon 2025 : Jelena Ostapenko en finale double dame, la joueuse humiliée pa…
Jelena Ostapenko est actuellement en train de disputer la finale du double dame de Wimbledon aux côtés de Su-wei Hsieh, et contre la paire Veronika K…
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Wimbledon's White Rule: From Strict Tradition to Menstrual Inclusivity
London, England – The iconic Wimbledon tennis tournament, renowned for its strict all-white dress code, has recently faced scrutiny and undergone changes to better accommodate female athletes. This tradition, which historically mandated white attire for all participants, including undergarments, has been a source of contention for years.During a recent match, Latvian tennis player Jelena Ostapenko was notably seen lifting her skirt to demonstrate compliance with the stringent dress regulations. This incident echoed past challenges, such as in 2017 when American tennis legend Venus Williams was reportedly required to change her bra due to visible pink straps during a match.For many female players, the all-white rule has been a significant source of anxiety, particularly when coinciding with their menstrual cycles. Some athletes have even resorted to continuously taking contraceptive pills to avoid their periods during the tournament.The growing discomfort led to public demonstrations. In the summer of 2022, protests under slogans like "Address the dress code" and "About bloody time" took place outside the Wimbledon stadium, advocating for reform.These efforts have yielded results. As of 2023, female players are now permitted to wear dark-colored shorts or compression shorts under their white skirts. This amendment aims to enhance comfort and alleviate anxiety for players, provided the undergarments are solid, dark, and do not extend beyond the length of the skirt.The All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, the tournament's organizer, has affirmed its commitment to addressing these concerns. In a statement released in March 2025, the club emphasized its priority on women's health and its support for players' individual needs. Discussions are ongoing with the Women's Tennis Association (WTA), manufacturers, and medical teams to further evolve the regulations.The debate was further amplified by American model Brooks Nader, 28, whose viral video showing a period stain on her white skirt at Wimbledon garnered over two million views. Her candid response to the incident reignited widespread discussion about the practicality and fairness of the all-white attire for female athletes. The ongoing dialogue underscores a broader movement towards greater inclusivity and understanding in professional sports.
