Former British No. 1 Heather Watson recalls personal horrors as she welcomes Wimbledon’s progressive new underwear rule

Heather Watson applauds Wimbledon's new dress code policy.

Former British No. 1 Heather Watson recalls personal horrors as she welcomes Wimbledon’s progressive new underwear rule

Heather Watson (Credits: ITVX)

In a recent interview with Sky Sports, British player Heather Watson shared her happiness regarding the dress code change at Wimbledon, saying how it makes such a big difference for all the women players. “When Wimbledon announced that about the undershorts, I was so happy because it makes such a big difference,” said Watson.

Watson shared how the previous year she had to take pills to delay her periods as she knew she was very likely to be menstruating during Wimbledon and did not want to face any embarrassment. “When I heard this, I was really happy because last year I went on the pill to stop myself bleeding because I knew we had to wear white undershorts, and I didn’t want to face any embarrassment,” revealed Watson.

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The former World No. 1 is one of the few players who are vocal about periods and how difficult it gets for women players to play under period anxiety and how they have to take multiple bathroom breaks to check if they are not stained with period blood.

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“I speak openly about my period and being on my period. I don’t think it’s a taboo subject. I would love for people to talk about it more, especially women in sport,” asserted the Briton.

Watson went on to say how the women players have to continuously run around the court in sweats and do splits while playing, which increases the chances of them getting stained in front of everyone. This year, the Briton let out a sigh of relief, saying she would not have to worry about all of this anymore.

“This year I knew my period was going to be during Wimbledon again, so I’m very happy that I won’t have to do the same thing as last year. I think it’s a real positive and it’s really great. Really forward-thinking.“

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A monumental decision by the All England Club

The All England Club has been under criticism for several years for its all-white dress code policy. On the one hand, where it is very easy for men to wear a white T-shirt and shorts and play on the grass courts, the same cannot be said about women players.

Women players have always raised concerns about playing on grass courts while wearing white dresses during their menstruation. Issues have been raised regarding period stains and how it is a very Orthodox and regressive mindset to force players to wear whites. Former player Billie Jean King and professional tennis coach Judy Murray have been talking for years about this and how it tends to create period anxiety in the minds of women players while playing on the court.

But finally, the dress code has been changed, and women players are now allowed to play in colored shorts under their white skirts. It is a monumental decision, and many players, including Heather Watson, have rejoiced in this change.

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