Why you'll see a big change in what female players wear at Wimbledon this year

Wimbledon is famous for its strict player dress code, requiring men and women to wear all white to compete in the prestigious event.

However, the All England Club, which stages the tennis tournament, has this year relaxed the rule that requires female players to wear white undershorts.

This move follows discussions with players who experience anxiety about wearing the garments during their periods.

The 2023 tournament deems coloured undershorts will be allowed for the first time, with the changes announced in 2022.

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At least one player has expressed doubt over the change.

Tunisian tennis star Ons Jabeur, who made it to the Wimbledon finals in 2022 and is seeded at sixth, is unsure if she will make the change.

"There is two things," she told The Mirror.

"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.

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"I think 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."

A campaign to change the rule gained momentum in 2022 when Judy Murray, a tennis coach and mum of British pros Andy and Jamie Murray, spoke out about the issue at an event ahead of the Billie Jean Cup Finals in Glasgow.

"When all matches are televised and streamed now, it is something that needs to be considered," Murray said.

"It's one of those things, when something like that becomes a talking point, decisions have to be made on it.

"However it's really important, too, that we have lots of women on the decision-making panel, because they understand what that's like to have menstrual cycles and they understand the fear of that happening while playing."

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Murray has praised the change, telling CLAY: "It was many years ago that perhaps Wimbledon didn't understand the trauma of women players playing during the period, fearing what might happen if you wear white. Thank goodness that's changed."

All England Club CEO Sally Bolton said in a statement, "We are committed to supporting the players and listening to their feedback as to how they can perform at their best.

"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."

The 2023 Wimbledon Championships will begin on July 3.