Emma Raducanu accused of causing ‘outrage’ at | Sports News

It’s claimed Wimbledon’s All England Club members are at odds with Emma Raducanu, accusing the British No. 2 of “arrogance” for her alleged disregard of the tennis club’s strict all-white dress code.

The venue insists on white attire for both matches and practice sessions, a tradition that extends to the Grand Slam tournament in the summer. However, Raducanu, the 2021 U.S. Open champion, has been spotted wearing a pink kit, inciting frustration among members.

The Daily Mail reports that some members feel enraged by Raducanu’s choice to wear “whatever outfit she wants” on the prestigious grass courts. Wimbledon’s rules are clear: players must don “suitable tennis attire that is almost entirely white” as soon as they enter the court surround, with only a minimal trim of color permitted.

Yet Raducanu stands accused of flouting these regulations, prompting one member to complain, “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 U.S. Open doesn’t mean she can wear whatever she wants.”

The All England Club’s strict all-white dress code has been a point of contention throughout the history of the Wimbledon Championships. Last year, Novak Djokovic had to request permission to wear a grey knee brace while recovering from surgery.

Nick Kyrgios also stirred controversy during his 2022 final run when he showed up on court in red Nike Jordan shoes and a matching cap, only to change into white gear later. In 2013, Roger Federer, an eight-time champion, was reprimanded for wearing orange-soled shoes and had to switch them out before his next match.

The club first implemented rules about wearing white during matches and practice sessions in the 1880s. An update was made before the 2023 tournament, allowing female players to wear dark undershorts under their uniforms.

Sally Bolton, CEO of the All England Club, said that players identified this issue as a “considerable concern”. This came after WTA star Daria Saville disclosed that she “skipped” her period due to the stringent requirements.

“I myself had to skip my period around Wimbledon for the reason that I didn’t want to worry about bleeding through. We already have enough stress,” she told The Daily Aus.