Wimbledon players were once forced to compete at the iconic tournament without a bra in 2014 as the strict archaic clothing rule has been scrutinised once again this year.
The all-white clothing rule and rigid regulations concerning attire has been under the microscope throughout these Championships, with a number of female players declaring the rules are out of touch with modern times. The ruling means all player s must adhere to all-white clothing, including undergarments and bras.
Citing the ruling, the official states: “Any undergarments that either are or can be visible during play (including due to perspiration) must also be completely white except for a single trim of colour no wider than one centimetre (10mm).”
The controversial ruling came to a head in 2014, with British star Naomi Broady an unfortunate victim. As a result, she was forced to compete in her second round match against 2018 Australian Open champion Caroline Wozniaki without a bra, losing in straight sets.
Pat Cash was furious with the events as they unfolded at the time, labelling the decision by the All England Club as ‘absolutely ridiculous’. Speaking eight years ago, the 1987 men’s Wimbledon champion told BBC Radio 5 Live: “Some of the girls have been told to go back and change their bras and tops because they had slight colour on them.
“I believe some of the girls didn’t have suitable sports bras and had to go without them. It has absolutely gone ridiculous.”
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During the tournament, American legend Venus Williams threatened to fight back against the ruling by wearing animal print beneath her white kit. However, she ultimately backed down and conceded the white makes for a ‘nice change’ compared to the rest of the calendar.
“Everyone just kind of glows in white,” Williams said. “Obviously not all year, because anything every day is boring. But during these two weeks, it’s nice.”
The debate surrounding the clothing rules at Wimbledon has rumbled on to 2022, with finalist Nick Kyrgios facing punishment after he donned a red cap and trainers while courtside and delivering his on-court, post-match interview. After wearing his bright red Nike trainers, Kyrgios was asked why he so brazenly broke the rules after defeating Brandon Nakashima.
“Because I do what I want,” the outspoken Australian said. “I’m not above the rules. I just like wearing my Jordans.”
