Wimbledon is widely recognized as the oldest and most prestigious tennis tournament in the world and is steeped in tradition. Unfortunately as history will show, not all traditions were meant to benefit or accommodate all of its participants and the all-white Wimbledon dress code is being called into question by its menstruating participants.

Around since the Victorian era, the dress code was originally enforced because any sign of sweat was considered improper. When women joined the tournament in the early 1900s, there was no consideration as to how this could affect their game physically or mentally depending on their menstrual cycles.

The dress code as is ignores the impact periods can have on athletes. Last month, tennis player Qiwen Zheng opened up about how menstrual cramps affected her performance in the French Open telling reporters, "I cannot play my tennis, (my) stomach was too painful… I wish I can be a man on court...so that I don't have to suffer from... my stomach pain. I think I could enjoy more, like to run better and to hit harder."

Embedded Image

Some athletes have admitted to going as far as taking birth control pills to "plan their period around the event" fearing their game will be affected by their cramps and discomfort and the possibility that they could bleed though their uniforms.

Changing the dress code would certainly be a step towards a more inclusive and comfortable environment for professional tennis players. Wimbledon has yet to respond to any comments or questions around the dress code.