Wimbledon star Azarenka makes history as first to embrace major rule change after huge break from tradition
VICTORIA AZARENKA was among the first tennis players to make the most of Wimbledon’s relaxed dress-code rules – by wearing a pair of green undershorts.
The All England Club have relaxed their all-white dress code for women after furious backlash.
The main criticism stemmed from women having to wear white shorts and underwear, with many left feeling uncomfortable playing during their periods.
As a result, Wimbledon chiefs have permitted female stars to wear coloured undershorts, starting this year.
And former world No1 and two-time Australian Open champion Azarenka took full advantage as she opened proceedings on Court 15 against Yue Yuan.
Another player to embrace the rule-relaxation was Linda Fruhvirtova.
Judy Murray and Billie Jean King were two big names lobbying for Wimbledon to update their dress code.
Wimbledon had confirmed the new rules in November, but Monday was the first time any non-white items of clothing were permitted on the famous All England Club courts.
At Wimbledon warm-up tournament Eastbourne, last year’s SW19 finalist Ons Jabeur spoke out about the rule relaxation.
But the Tunisian star was on the fence as to whether it was actually a positive move.
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Jabeur 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.”
She added. “I don’t think I’m going to wear anything. If all the girls will wear it, I think it will make it better.
“But I think it’s a great thing that Wimbledon is trying to help women feel more comfortable on the court.”
But British star Heather Watson – who reached the fourth round at SW19 last year – was hugely in favour of the rule relaxation.
Watson said: “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.”
Chief executive Sally Bolton said: “It is our hope that this rule adjustment will help players focus purely on their performance by relieving a potential source of anxiety.”
The guidelines had previously stated: “Any undergarments that either are or can be visible during play [including due to perspiration] must also be completely white except for a single trim of colour no wider than one centimetre [10mm].”