Ostapenko lifts skirt to defend outfit during Wimbledon dress code dispute with umpire

06 July 2025 , 09:48

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Jelena Ostapenko looked perplexed as she was spoken to by the umpire(Image: Eurosport)

Jelena Ostapenko experienced an awkward moment with an umpire before a doubles match at Wimbledon, as the official seemed to question her outfit

Jelena Ostapenko appeared baffled as she was questioned about her outfit during Wimbledon. Ostapenko was preparing for a doubles match when umpire Jamie Crowson approached her and seemed to ask about her outfit. 

Ostapenko took the court alongside her partner Hsieh Su-wei for their second-round clash against Marta Kostyuk and Elena-Gabriela Ruse and the umpire appeared to take issue with her outfit while the pair were warming up.

After approaching Ostapenko and exchanging words, the Latvian threw her hands out in irritation and lifted up her skirt to show she was wearing green undershorts which do adhere to the tournament’s dress code.

Wimbledon enforces a strict all-white dress code, but did change their rules ahead of the 2023 tournament to allow female players to wear dark undershorts to alleviate a potential source of anxiety when they have their periods.

"We are committed to supporting the players and listening to their feedback as to how they can perform at their best," All England Club Chief Executive Sally Bolton said at the time.

"I’m pleased to confirm that, following consultation with players and representatives of several stakeholder groups, the Committee of Management has taken the decision to update the white clothing rule at Wimbledon.

"This means that from next year, women and girls competing at The Championships will have the option of wearing coloured undershorts if they choose. It is our hope that this rule adjustment will help players focus purely on their performance by relieving a potential source of anxiety."

Ostapenko and Hsieh went on to beat Kostyuk and Ruse 5-7 6-2 6-2 and will now take on Ekaterina Alexandrova and Zhang Shuai in the third round on Sunday.

Ostapenko lifted up her skirt after being asked about her outfit(Image: Eurosport)

Ostapenko has already been knocked out of the women’s singles and mixed doubles events, losing 7-5, 2-6, 6-2 to Brit Sonay Kartal in the first round on Monday. Ostapenko was also eliminated in the second round of the mixed doubles after losing to Taylor Townsend and Evan King.

The 28-year-old is a Grand Slam singles champion, having won the French Open back in 2017 when she defeated Simona Halep 4–6, 6–4, 6–3 in the final. She also reached the final four at Wimbledon in 2018, losing to eventual winner Angelique Kerber in the semi-finals.

Elizabeth Baker

Technology & Business Editor