Rybakina Gives Verdict On Wimbledon Underwear Rule Change After Using It In Opener

Thursday, 06 July 2023 at 23:30

Updated at Sunday, 10 August 2025 at 22:07

byZachary Wimer

Defending champion Elena Rybakina gave her verdict on the underwear rule change that is in place at this year's Wimbledon after playing in darker shorts.

For many years Wimbledon enforced a strict all-white rule for the event. It has become part of the tradition and something that distinguishes this event from the other tournaments, including the other three Grand Slams.

The rule was strictly enforced as nothing from caps to underwear could be anything but white. For many female tennis players, it created a lot of uneasiness.

After years of campaigning, Wimbledon has finally elected to change the rule allowing players to wear colored underwear, which many players have done this year.

Longtime WTA Council member Victoria Azarenka praised the move, calling it an important step. It's part of generally relaxing the rules a bit, as Jannik Sinner brought a colored Gucci bag onto Centre Court yesterday, though he cleared it with the organizers first.

Something like that wouldn't have been possible a few years ago. When it comes to the underwear rule, defending champion Rybakina gave her verdict after sporting dark shorts in her first-round win over Shelby Rogers.

"I think it's good to have an option. But the same time I was also fine with all white. I mean, it's just I think changes are good, and we still have the same tradition to be in full white. It's just maybe little adjustment. Overall I think it's good, yeah."

Fellow player Coco Gauff expressed a lot of relief after the rule change. Daria Kasatkina shared a similar opinion, explaining that players can now focus solely on their tennis, as opposed to worrying about additional factors.

They all highlighted that the event was able to maintain the all-white rule, which has become something many players appreciate. It lends the event a certain prestige, as it is undeniably the most prestigious tennis tournament in the world.