Wimbledon star lifts up skirt in protest during dress code row after being questioned by umpire
A tennis star at Wimbledon was forced to lift up her skirt in protest after being questioned by the court's umpire.
There are few things more British than Wimbledon, but there has been plenty of controversy at this year's tournament both on and off the tennis court, with the likes of Jack Draper and Emma Radacanu both complaining about the new electronic line calls, while those in the stands are less than happy with the price of a bottle of beer.
A number of things are synonymous with Wimbledon: the strawberries and cream, the weather varying between too hot or too rainy and the iconic dress code, which asks players to wear all white - although this was adjusted recently for the first time in 148 years following the tragic death of Liverpool player Diogo Jota.
Another more permanent change to the dress code was made back in 2023, but it seems as if one umpire had forgotten this when he approached Latvian grand-slam winner Jelena Ostapenko during one of yesterday's games.
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The 28-year-old was due on court 14 on Friday (July 4) for her doubles match alongside partner Hsieh Su-wei, as they prepared to face Marta Kostyuk and Elena-Gabriela Ruse.
But while she was warming up, she was questioned by umpire Jamie Crowson, seemingly about her outfit choice and she quickly threw out her hands in frustration, before lifting up her skirt to reveal some green undershorts.
It was confirmed two years ago that female players would be allowed to wear darker colour undershorts to ensure more privacy and to help alleviate any anxiety for players who were on their period.
"We are committed to supporting the players and listening to their feedback as to how they can perform at their best," All England Club Chief Executive Sally Bolton said at the time.
"I'm pleased to confirm that, following consultation with players and representatives of several stakeholder groups, the Committee of Management has taken the decision to update the white clothing rule at Wimbledon.
"This means that from next year, women and girls competing at The Championships will have the option of wearing coloured undershorts if they choose.
"It is our hope that this rule adjustment will help players focus purely on their performance by relieving a potential source of anxiety."
Fortunately, the pre-match talking point was quickly forgotten as Ostapenko and Hsieh went on to beat Kostyuk and Ruse 5-7 6-2 6-2 ahead of their third round fixture against Ekaterina Alexandrova and Zhang Shuai in the third round this afternoon.
James Moorhouse