An unexpected scene unfolded on Court No 8 yesterday when former Wimbledon semi-finalist Jelena Ostapenko lifted her skirt during a heated exchange with an umpire.
The Latvian tennis player, who reached the semi-finals at SW19 seven years ago, took the dramatic action to make a point before her doubles match.
The 28-year-old was preparing for her second-round doubles match alongside partner Hsieh Su-wei against Marta Kostyuk and Elena-Gabriela Ruse.
What should have been a routine warm-up turned into an unusual confrontation that captured the attention of spectators.
An unexpected scene unfolded on Court No 8 yesterday when former Wimbledon semi-finalist Jelena Ostapenko lifted her skirt during a heated exchange with an umpire
BBC
The incident has sparked discussion about Wimbledon's dress code regulations and the measures players take to comply with them.
During the warm-up, umpire Jamie Crowson approached Ostapenko to question her clothing choices. The 2017 French Open champion responded with visible frustration, throwing her hands up in exasperation.
In a decisive move to prove her compliance, she lifted her skirt to reveal she was wearing green undershorts beneath.
Jelena Ostapenko appeared visibly frustrated during the row at Wimbledon
BBC
The dramatic gesture was her way of demonstrating adherence to the tournament's dress code requirements.
Crowson seemed satisfied with Ostapenko's unconventional proof of compliance, allowing the warm-up to continue.
The fourth seeds went on to secure victory in their match, winning 5-7 6-2 6-2 and advancing to face Ekaterina Alexandrova and Zhang Shuai today.
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This confrontation highlighted Wimbledon's updated dress code, which has permitted female players to wear dark undershorts since 2023. This rule change was implemented to address concerns about periods affecting players' performance and comfort during matches.
The adjustment to the traditional all-white clothing requirement came after consultation with players and various stakeholder groups.
British spectators have already become familiar with Ostapenko this week following her defeat to home favourite Sonay Kartal on Monday.
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Her latest appearance on court, however, will be remembered more for the pre-match drama than the doubles victory that followed.
All England Club Chief Executive Sally Bolton addressed the rule change when it was introduced two years ago.
"We are committed to supporting the players and listening to their feedback as to how they can perform at their best," she stated.
Jelena Ostapenko lost to Sonay Kartal in the first round of the Wimbledon singles
PA
Bolton confirmed that the decision followed extensive consultation: "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."
She added: "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."
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