British tennis star Emma Raducanu has reportedly incited anger among members of the All England Club by violating Wimbledon’s longstanding all-white dress code during recent training sessions. This 150-year-old rule mandates that players wear attire that is “almost entirely white” while on court. Raducanu, however, was observed practicing in a pink outfit, prompting criticism from some club members.
One member expressed frustration, stating, “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.”
Wimbledon’s dress code is renowned for its strictness. The official guidelines specify that players must wear “suitable tennis attire that is almost entirely white,” clarifying that “white does not include off white … .” The rules further detail that “there should be no solid mass or … ,” and while “a single trim is acceptable,” it “must be no wider than one centimet … .”
This isn’t the first instance of a player breaching Wimbledon’s dress code. In 2013, Roger Federer faced controversy for wearing orange-soled trainers and was subsequently asked to change. More recently, Novak Djokovic required special permission to wear a grey … , and Nick Kyrgios was fined £12,000 … red attire while still on court post-match in 202 … .
Raducanu’s recent actions add to a series of challenges she has faced in her career. In October 2024, she was spotted wearing a protective boot, raising concerns about a potential injury that could sideline her for the remainder of the year. She had previously withdrawn from the Korea Open quarter-final due to a foot problem and missed significant tournaments in Beijing and Wuhan. During a visit to Great Ormond Street Hospital, Raducanu was photographed with the boot on her left foot, engaging with children and staff.
Despite these setbacks, Raducanu remains optimistic about her future in tennis. She has expressed a commitment to working hard and aims to make a strong comeback in the 2025 season. Reflecting on her journey, she noted, “I’ve matured a lot in the last few weeks, to be honest.”
The recent dress code controversy underscores the challenges athletes face in balancing personal expression with institutional traditions. As Raducanu navigates her career, she continues to be a focal point in discussions about the evolving landscape of professional tennis.
