The 2023 Wimbledon Championships brings thrilling modifications, enhancing the competition and championing sustainability.
The All England Lawn Tennis Club has revealed a series of long-awaited changes for the 136th edition of the prestigious Wimbledon Championships, set to take place from July 3rd to 16th in London, Great Britain.
This year's tournament will showcase changes in the clothing rules, doubles format, and both the Qualifying Competition and environmental sustainability efforts, reflecting the Club's commitment to innovation and responsibility.
One of the most talked-about changes announced late last year was an amendment to the iconic white clothing rule. For the first time, female competitors will have the option to wear mid or dark-coloured undershorts. However, the remaining requirements for clothing, accessories, and equipment will continue to follow traditional Wimbledon standards.
Another significant alteration is the shortening of the Gentlemen's Doubles format from best-of-five sets to best-of-three. This modification, made after extensive consultation, aligns Wimbledon with the other Grand Slam events, offering a more consistent experience for players and fans alike.
In addition to these changes, Wimbledon has agreed to participate in a one-year trial of off-court coaching alongside the other Grand Slams and the ATP & WTA Tours. This decision aims to explore the potential benefits of such coaching practices for both players and the sport as a whole.
In a statement, Ian Hewitt, Chairman of the All England Club, commented also on Wimbledon's decision to allow Russian and Belarusian players to compete at the 2023 Championships.
“Our announcement was made last month after careful and deep consideration. At the time, we set out the factors which informed our decision and why, taking all circumstances into account, we consider these to be the appropriate arrangements for Wimbledon this year. It was a difficult and challenging decision, which was made with the full support of our UK Government and the international stakeholder bodies in tennis, but does not lessen in any way our total condemnation of Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine.”
The announcement also stated that the All England Club will donate one pound for every ticketholder, aiming to collect at least £500,000 for the Ukrainian relief.
"We are pleased to share that, in partnership with the LTA, we will donate to Ukrainian relief one pound for each ticketholder at The Championships this year, which will result in a contribution of more than half a million pounds. We will again work with Merton and Wandsworth Councils, and the British Red Cross, to invite 1,000 Ukrainian refugees to join us for a day at Wimbledon, including tickets, food and drink, and transport."
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