Wimbledon star demands change after new underwear rule for female players

Heather Watson is delighted that Wimbledon has scrapped its all-white dress code for women after players reported period anxiety while wearing white under-shorts. Watson is hoping that the changes can open up discussions in tennis around periods and also in other sports. She wants to see more female sportswomen come forward and talk about how it affects their game.

“When Wimbledon announced that about the under-shorts I was so happy because it makes such a big difference,” she told Sky Sports.

“I speak openly about my period and being on my period. I don’t think it’s a taboo subject. I would love for people to talk about it more, especially women in sport.

“So, when I heard this I was really happy because last year I went on the pill to stop myself bleeding because I knew we had to wear white under-shorts, and I didn’t want to face any embarrassment. We’re running around sweating, doing the splits on the court.

“This year I knew my period was going to be during Wimbledon again, so I’m very happy that I won’t have to do the same thing as last year. I think it’s a real positive and it’s really great. Really forward-thinking.”

Female players are now allowed to wear coloured shorts to reduce fears around menstruation. It comes after players had previously been required to stick a strict dress code at the All England Club.

Watson wasn’t alone in commending the new ruling, rising star Coco Gauff admits the relaxing of the dress code is a “big relief”. She said: “I was on my period at Wimbledon last year and it was very stressful. You have the period underwear to help you but it’s still at the back of your mind.

“You go to the bathroom because you have to use the bathroom but I was using the bathroom to check I wasn’t showing so I think it’s going to relieve a lot of stress for me and other girls in the locker room.”

Gauff added: “It happened to me at another tournament and luckily the referee notified me before anyone really, really saw it, but it will make the world of difference and I’m glad this conversation is happening because people deal with it and I’m glad it’s not a taboo subject anymore.”