Wimbledon Stars Speak Out Against Being Forced To Wear White During Their Periods

With Wimbledon kicking off, the discussion surrounding the prestigious tournament's strict dress code has resurfaced.

In particular, female tennis stars are continuing voice their concerns about being forced to comply with the all-white clothing requirements even while being on their periods.

It's a topic of conversation, an important one at that, which has gotten a lot of high-profile athletes talking.

The All England Lawn Tennis Club is renowned for its age-old traditions, including the dress code which has been around since the Victorian era in Britain.

Back in the day, any form of sweat in one's sports attire was considered "improper", hence why the rules were brought in.

But in today's society, a sweat mark is the least of the female players' worries.

“I would like to see it change,” tennis broadcaster Catherine Whitaker told The Telegraph.

“If they had a clothing policy that affected men in the way that it does women, I don’t think that particular tradition would last. I cannot imagine going into the biggest day of my life, with my period, and being forced to wear white.”

The current all-white dress code for Wimbledon doesn't take into consideration the impact periods, and the fear of having menstrual blood show up on a skirt, could have on a player's mental state.

And now sports stars are demanding the tradition be scrapped.

This isn't the first time Whitaker has highlighted the issue though.

She was very vocal after Chinese player Zheng Qinwen revealed she had been suffering from stomach cramps as a result of her period during the entirety of her match against Isa Swiatek.

"Yeah, the leg was, yeah, it was also tough. That compared to the stomach was easy, yeah, the most bother me today to I cannot play my tennis is stomach was too much painful," Zheng Qinwen said.

"But I really give my best on court, it's just, it's tough, yeah. it's just girls, girls things, you know. I wish I can be a man on court, but I cannot in that moment when I say, I really wish I can be man that I don't have to suffer from this."

In response, Whitaker tweeted: "I live in fear of getting my period during a week when I’m presenting on TV. And that involves no strenuous physical activity, policing of my toilet breaks (unless working with a very diligent floor manager) or requirement to wear white. It’s time to talk about periods."

Four-time Grand Slam champion Kim Clijsters approved, tweeting: "Yes yes yes!" 

While 18-time Grand Slam champion Chris Evert showed her support too, adding: "There were big matches I lost because I was tripping over my feet because of my period. Not one to make excuses, but wish I’d talked about it."

Former tennis player Monica Puig also chimed in, saying: “Definitely something that affects female athletes! Finally bringing it to everyone’s attention! Not to mention the mental stress of having to wear all white at Wimbledon and praying not to have your period during those two weeks.”