In November 2022, the prestigious grass court Wimbledon Championship announced a groundbreaking decision to change the dress code for women playing in the prestigious competition, addressing the concerns raised by women who menstruate.

This change in the traditional rule of wearing all-white outfits comes after pressure from players and campaigners who want to make female athletes feel more comfortable during their menstrual cycles.

Welcoming the much needed-change, the current world no.7 tennis player Coco Gauff revisited her anxious experience at last year’s Wimbledon.

Wimbledon’s landmark move for an inclusive environment, Coco Gauff’s response

The executive chief of the All England Club after talking to players and representatives came to a conclusion and the management made the decision to tweak the strict only-white clothing rule at Wimbledon. This change reflects a progressive understanding of the challenges faced by female athletes, ensuring they can perform at their best without unnecessary distractions.

Among the tennis stars welcoming this groundbreaking decision is Coco Gauff, a rising talent known for her exceptional skills on the court.

She talked about her own experience last year during Wimbledon, stating, “I was on my period last year during Wimbledon. It was very stressful… sometimes I used to go to the bathroom just to check that nothing was showing, so I think it’s gonna relieve a lot of stress for me” Gauff confessed in an exclusive interview with Sky Sports.

The new rule will alleviate a significant amount of stress for players like Gauff, enabling them to focus solely on their performance.

Reflection on the impact of the dress code change

British tennis player Heather Watson, ranked 149th in the world, echoed the sentiment of many female players upon hearing the news. She shared, “I remember last year I went on the pill to stop myself from bleeding (due to menstruation) because I knew we had to wear white undershorts, and I didn’t want to face any embarrassment.” Watson emphasized the physical demands of the game, expressing her joy at no longer needing to take such measures this year.

Wimbledon’s decision to allow darker shades of undershorts acknowledges and addresses the specific challenges faced by female athletes during their periods. By having a more flexible dress code, Wimbledon sets an example for other tournaments to follow, creating an environment where athletes can focus on their performance instead of worrying about their bodies.

This decision will undoubtedly provide immense relief to players like Coco Gauff and Heather Watson and many more, enabling them to compete at the highest level with confidence and without unnecessary distractions.

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