Let forehands, backhands, and lobs make news.
When does action on the tennis court take a backseat to action apart from it? It’s happening here and now.
At the forefront of the game has been controversy about outfits worn by Serena Williams. In 2018, her “catsuit”–a skin-tight, black full-length outfit–caused a stir at the French Open. As reported, the catsuit wasn’t just a fashion statement. It was designed specifically for Williams as a precaution against blood clots, which she has suffered in the past.
No matter, though, the figure-hugging outfit caused Bernard Giudicelli, president of the French Tennis Federation, to introduce a new dress code, which went into effect this year. In the new code, Williams’ outfit would not be allowed. Said Giudicelli, “I think that sometimes we’ve gone too far…. One must respect the game and the place.”
In a different response, the Women’s Tennis Association clarified its rules on female player’s attire: “leggings and mid-thigh compression shorts may be worn with or without skirts, shorts, or dress.”
What did Williams think? She wasn’t interested in wearing the catsuit again, telling ESPN that “when it comes to fashion, you don’t want to be a repeat offender.” At this year’s French Open, Williams wore a zebra-striped, black-and-white dress with a warm-up cape. Still making a “fashion statement,” the cape was emblazoned with the words, “mother”, champion, queen, goddess” in French, as a signal to her hosts.
Anne White (photo, Metro)
There have been other times when players “pushed the envelope” by wearing unconventional court attire. In 1985, for example, Anne White wore an all-white spandex outfit at Wimbledon. That was a no-no.
Back then, players were informed, politely, what was inappropriate tennis attire, and also told not to wear it again. It was done sans fanfare and uproar.
So why today’s fuss? Social media may be one reason. Racism and sexism may come into play. No doubt, too, is the fact that officials and some fans embrace tennis tradition. Catsuits and similar attire are seen as distracting and, perhaps, disrespectful.
What do I think?
I tend to agree with those who want competition and court play to be at the forefront. Why does there need to be a buzz about who’s wearing what? And why is it important, even necessary, “to make a fashion statement” on the court? Let your forehand, backhand, and lob make news!
That’s why I look forward to Wimbledon and the action at the All England Tennis Club. From July 1st-14th, tradition and decorum will be on display. There won’t be controversial/outlandish attire to distract from the tennis. All-white is still required with color trims no wider than 1 cm permitted. And tournament referees can force a player to change clothes or shoes if they consider either or both to be inappropriate.
At Wimbledon, it will be refreshing to watch high-level competition and skills without worrying about a fashion distraction. But, unfortunately, it will be a different scene at New York’s US Open in Aug/Sept. Remember Serena Williams’s tutu outfit last year?
Will tennis officials and players put “fashion sense” second and position on-court play first and foremost? While hope springs eternal, I’m not betting on it.
