Wimbledon, the oldest and most prestigious tennis tournament in the world, is known as much for its hallowed grass courts and royal spectators as it is for its strict all-white dress code. Introduced in the 1800s to help mask sweat stains and uphold Victorian decorum, the tradition remains a defining feature of the tournament. But over the years, several players have found themselves at odds with this rigid rule—sometimes in subtle defiance, sometimes in bold rebellion.
Wimbledon Controversy: Top 5 Instances When Players Defied All-White Dress Code
Anne White’s Catsuit (1985)
In one of the most memorable fashion moments in tennis history, American player Anne White turned heads in 1985 when she took to the court in a skintight white catsuit, paired with very ’80s leg warmers. Though her outfit technically followed the color rules, it stirred controversy due to its unconventional style. Her opponent, Pam Shriver, complained to tournament officials, and White was reportedly asked not to wear the catsuit again. Despite the backlash, White made a statement—one that would echo decades later when Serena Williams donned a black catsuit at the 2018 French Open, describing it as making her feel like a “warrior princess.”
Pat Cash’s Bandana Rebellion (1987)
Australian tennis star Pat Cash tested the boundaries of the dress code with a simple accessory: a black-and-white checkered bandana. Though a minor infraction, it symbolized a broader challenge to the tournament’s staid traditions. It didn’t stop Cash from claiming the men’s singles title, but years later he voiced his frustration, calling the all-white rule “ridiculous.”
Venus Williams’ Bra Controversy (2017)
In 2017, Venus Williams was reportedly told to change her pink bra during a match when the color became visible under her top. She made the change during a rain break and went on to win the match, but the incident raised eyebrows. At a post-match press conference, Williams appeared uncomfortable discussing the matter. “I don’t want to talk about my undergarments,” she said. “It’s kind of awkward for me.”
Tatiana Golovin’s Red Shorts (2007)
Russian-born French player Tatiana Golovin made waves in 2007 by wearing bright red shorts under her tennis skirt. Unlike Venus’ bra, Golovin’s choice was approved by officials since the rules at the time didn’t extend to underwear. That changed in 2014, when Wimbledon updated its guidelines to include undergarments, now also required to be “entirely white or almost entirely white.”
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Nick Kyrgios and the Red Sneakers (2022)
“Because I do what I want,” he said when asked about his red tennis shoes. Never one to shy away from controversy, Australian star Nick Kyrgios drew attention at Wimbledon 2022 for wearing red Air Jordan sneakers during his matches—an open violation of the tournament’s accessory rules. Later, during the trophy presentation, he added a red cap to complete his look. The breach earned him a $16,000 fine, but for Kyrgios, it was just another chapter in his career of calculated nonconformity.
