“It’s really cool to have the option” – Sabalenka and Rybakina welcome change to all-white dress code over period concerns

Things are looking very different on the Wimbledon grass as female players are finally allowed to vary their all-white kit

Elena Rybakina (Action Plus/Panoramic)

Carrie Dunn

July 5, 2023

Two days into Wimbledon 2023, and some players have been looking a little different.

After years of discussion, female players are finally allowed to vary their all-white kit should they wish, wearing coloured ball shorts under their white skirts.

World No 2 Aryna Sabalenka took to Centre Court for her first-round match in dark green shorts, and said afterwards: “I really like that we still keep playing in the white clothes, but I really like that we have an option for the shorts. I think like dark green shorts looks really cool on the grass. It’s really cool to have an option at the Wimbledon.”

Stylish display. Ruthless finish.

Second seed Aryna Sabalenka is through to the second round of #Wimbledon, cruising past Panna Udvardy pic.twitter.com/nvS7uEANmg
— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) July 4, 2023

Defending Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina also donned darker shorts.

“I think it’s good to have an option. But the same time I was also fine with all white. I mean, it’s just I think changes are good, and we still have the same tradition to be in full white. It’s just maybe little adjustment. Overall I think it’s good, yeah.”

It follows female players becoming increasingly outspoken about how their menstrual cycle affects performance, and how all-white kit requirements gave them an additional concern.

Watson: Wimbledon is really forward-thinking

Britain’s Heather Watson, who has been speaking about the issue for almost a decade, told UK media before the start of the tournament that she was delighted with the change.

“When Wimbledon announced that about the under-shorts I was so happy because it makes such a big difference.

“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.”