‘I just plan my period around it’: Tennis player opens up about Wimbledon’s strict white rule causing stress

The Wimbledon Championship stands out for the level of tennis matches it offers and the traditions it has. However, there are factors that are problematic but happen every year under the protection of tradition. One of those factors is the strict dress code. All participating players must wear white clothing. And no other color should occupy an area more than 1 cm wide on a player’s clothing.

The problem with this rule is that it causes mental stress in the players who compete during their menstrual cycle. The stress that a red spot stands out against a totally white set. Recently, Mónica Puig, the Puerto Rican player, brought the matter to light on Twitter.

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With Wimbledon just around the corner, Puig took to Twitter and shared a thread addressing how much menstruation affects a player’s game and writing about Wimbledon. issue. “Definitely something that affects female athletes! Finally, bringing it to everyone’s attention! Not to mention the mental stress of having to wear all white at Wimbledon and praying that I don’t get my period for those two weeks.”

Following the Rio Olympics gold medalist, Britain’s Heather Watson also spoke out on the matter. She said, “I really like the tradition and I wouldn’t want to change that. My only stress is that I have my period, but I only plan my period around it.”

“I will probably take the pill just to skip my period for Wimbledon. That’s the thought process and conversations girls have about it.” Watson, whose home ground is Wimbledon and has a title from the 2016 mixed doubles tournament added.

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The color is preferred over the others at Wimbledon due to its resistance to white staining caused by sweat. Although the fact that it emphasizes that players go through their monthly menstrual cycle raises the question about the rigor that surrounds it.

Several WTA players, such as Petra Kvitova, have spoken of the same thing before. Although the two-time Wimbledon champion had no problem wearing white, she admitted: “It is never really easy to deal with a more difficult thing. If we have to play the game or train or something like that, it’s difficult.”

A rule that was amended

Wimbledon, after presenting several complaints from players about the slippery surface of Center Court, has decided to change one of its long-standing rules. After witnessing the likes of Serena Williams, Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic all struggle to maintain control on the surface. The statement that players will be able to practice on center court before games has been approved.

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By doing so, the moisture in the turf will decrease and the pitch will be more worn. Therefore, it imposes less of a physical damage threat on players while they are in a match. Also giving them the opportunity to read and settle on the court.