Tennis stars speak out on new underwear rule for female players at Wimbledon this year
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This coming week marks the start of one of the biggest UK sporting tournaments, with the first round proper commencing at Wimbledon.
And while the discussion may be usually surrounding what happens on court and the strawberries and cream obsession, this year there has been an added talking point.
Previous regulations at Wimbledon had strictly prohibited any competitors from wearing any other colour except white.
However, that has been subsequently changed this year following protests that took place at the 2022 tournament.
Campaigners from Address The Dress Code staged a protest outside the main gate over its all-white clothing policy, wearing white skirts with red undershorts to highlight the worries women face competing in traditional white.
Around the same time, British tennis star, Alicia Barnett, opened up about the stress of Wimbledon whites and trying to play tennis on such a big stage feeling 'bloated and tired'.
Following the protests and frank discussions, a new amended rule was brought in that allows players to choose their preferred colour of underwear.
And for the most part, the move has been welcomed by the majority in the world of tennis, following years of unrest and worry for female players.
One of those is British player Heather Watson, who has previously spoken about the effects periods have on female athletes and their performance.
Speaking to Sky News ahead of this year's Wimbledon, Watson said: "When Wimbledon announced about the undershorts I was so happy because it makes such a difference.
"I speak openly about my period, I don't think it's a taboo subject and I would love for people to talk about it more."
She continued: "Last year I went on the pill to stop myself bleeding because I knew I had to wear white undershorts and I didn't want any embarrassment.
"We're running around sweating, doing the splits on court. This year I knew my period was going to be during Wimbledon again so I'm very happy I won't have to do the same thing as last year."
US player Coco Gauff has also opened up about her experience competing while on her period.
She is delighted to see the rule change at this year's Wimbledon.
"I was on my period last year at Wimbledon and it was very stressful," she told Sky News.
"You have period underwear to help you but it's still in the back of your mind. Sometimes when you go to the bathroom, you're supposed to use the bathroom but sometimes I would go to check nothing was showing."
The seventh seed also said the new rule change will 'remove a lot of stress' for her.
"It will make all the world of difference and I'm glad it's not a taboo subject any more," she concluded.
While the majority of players have praised the rule change, one player who isn't a massive fan is Ons Jabeur.
Ahead of a tournament last month, the world number six said: "There is two things. One thing, it’s better definitely not to be paranoid. And the other thing, everybody will know that you have your period. So I’m not sure which part of it is good."
