Wimbledon’s famously strict dress code, which requires competitors to appear head-to-toe in white, has come under renewed fire for being “ridiculous” and “excessive”.
Even Roger Federer, the seven-time champion and a lifelong admirer of the All England Club’s traditions, has ramped up his criticism of the rule which demands predominantly white outfits.
“I love Wimbledon but they’ve gone too far now. The rules have become ridiculously strict,” said the Swiss legend.
“We’re all white. White, white, full-on white. I think it’s very strict,” Federer said 12 months ago.
The colour code at Wimbledon is often controversial. last year Caroline Wozniacki said reports that officials would check the colour of women’s underwear as “a little creepy”.
This week, Canadian poster girl Eugenie Bouchard fell foul of the rules after wearing a black bra.
Flamboyant American player Bethanie Mattek-Sands said she supported Federer’s complaints. “I didn’t even get married in white,” she said.
Mattek-Sands (in pic) once appeared on Centre Court wearing a coat made of tennis balls and has also taken to a court with warpaint beneath her eyes.
She claims a Nike-designed white playing bra was judged to be unsuitable at Wimbledon because it had a yellow stripe.