Emma Raducanu has reportedly been antagonising members of Wimbledon’s All England Club, who have accused her of “arrogance” for breaking one of the venue’s long-standing rules.
Players are required to follow an all-white dress code while using the hallowed courts for matches and practice sessions – an order that even extends to the Grand Slam tournament held in summer. But the British No. 2 is said to have been flouting the rules, even turning up in a controversial pink kit.
According to the Daily Mail, the 2021 US Open champion’s behaviour has been “enraging members”, with some complaining that Raducanu is taking to the prestigious grass courts wearing “whatever outfit she wants”.
Wimbledon rules state that players must take to the courts in “suitable tennis attire that is almost entirely white”. The code also says this applies “from the point at which the player enters the court surround”.
The strict regulations also note that white “does not include off-white or cream”, while only a 10mm trim of another single colour is allowed around the neckline or the cuff of the sleeves.
However, Raducanu has been accused of ignoring the dress code, as one member claimed: “It’s so unfair. Emma rocks up in a pink outfit while everyone else respects the all-white rule.
“Who does she think she is? Just because she’s won the US Open doesn’t mean she can wear whatever she wants.”
The All England Club’s all-white mandate has been a talking point throughout the years of the Wimbledon Championships. Last year, Novak Djokovic had to seek permission to wear a grey knee brace during his recovery from surgery.
Nick Kyrgios also caused a stir during his run to the final in 2022, when he arrived on the court in a pair of red Nike Jordan shoes and a matching cap before changing into his white attire.
In 2013, eight-time champion Roger Federer received a telling-off for wearing orange-soled shoes and had to change them before his next appearance.
The club’s rules on wearing white during matches and practice sessions were first introduced in the 1880s. An amendment was made ahead of the tournament in 2023, allowing female players to wear dark undershorts beneath their kit.
All England Club CEO Sally Bolton said players flagged the issue as a “considerable concern”.
It came after WTA star Daria Saville revealed that she “skipped” her period due to the draconian requirements.
“I myself had to skip my period around Wimbledon for the reason that I didn’t want to worry about bleeding through. We already have enough stress,” she told The Daily Aus.
