Female Tennis Players Voice Concerns About Wimbledon Whites
Eugenie Bouchard recently revealed that many female tennis players are apprehensive about the traditional Wimbledon dress code, particularly during their menstrual cycles. This historic rule mandates that players must wear all-white clothing, a tradition dating back to the 1880s. The aim was to minimize the visibility of sweat stains, deemed unsightly at the time.
The Challenge of Competing in All-White Attire
While the dress code persists, it poses unique challenges for female athletes. Last year, Wimbledon responded to these concerns by allowing women to wear dark undershorts, provided they remain hidden beneath their white skirts. Despite this change, Bouchard acknowledged on the Not Alone podcast with Valeria Lipovetsky that the requirement to wear white can still cause anxiety.
“Unfortunately, we cannot plan our matches, which are scheduled by the tournament. I’ve experienced severe period cramps, and the idea of playing in white during that time is nerve-wracking. The new rule about dark undershorts helps, but it’s a very recent change,” Bouchard explained.
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Addressing Sexism in Tennis
Bouchard also discussed the sexism she has faced throughout her career. She shared her hesitancy to pursue interests outside tennis due to potential backlash from fans. “Early on, I received negative comments for doing photoshoots or off-court projects. People expected me to focus solely on tennis. This made me feel guilty, even though I dedicated hours to practice.”
Balancing Tennis and Personal Interests
Despite the criticism, Bouchard has embraced a more balanced approach to her career and personal interests. “I’ve started playing pickleball and engaging in various projects, which brings me joy. Tennis has been my life since childhood, but diversifying my interests has been fulfilling,” she said.
Double Standards in the Spotlight
Bouchard recently criticized the double standards in tennis. In an interview with Vogue, Jack Draper expressed his enjoyment of being in front of the camera, a sentiment Bouchard noted would have led to severe criticism if voiced by a female player a decade ago. Fans echoed her sentiments on social media, highlighting ongoing gender biases in the sport.
Looking Ahead to Wimbledon
The Wimbledon Grand Slam is set to begin next month, with initial fixture draws scheduled for June 28. Bouchard’s most notable performance at Wimbledon was in 2014 when she reached the women’s singles final, ultimately falling to Petra Kvitová.
By addressing these concerns and challenges, Bouchard continues to be a voice for female athletes in tennis, advocating for greater understanding and flexibility within the sport.
