The poignant meaning behind Ash Barty’s Wimbledon outfit

Eyes will be on the All England Club for the annual parade of how the players interpret the traditional all-white dress code at the historic venue (especially as crowd numbers will be well down due to COVID-19 restrictions). Over the years, several players, most notably Andre Agassi (who boycotted the tournament over the rules), have pushed the guidelines – and the officials – to their limit by stretching the definition of “white”.

The rule was introduced in 1890 to reflect the genteel nature of the sport of tennis; given it was played by the upper classes, it made sense its spiritual home would adopt an all-white dress code. There are also rules about trims (colours can be no wider than one centimetre in width), and shoes and underwear must also be white. Not cream, not grey. White.

In the 1920s, female players traditionally wore long pleated dresses and even a turban, while shorts made their first appearance in the 1930s. One of the more modern-day style icons of the court, Serena Williams, has worked with Nike over the years to create some of the most iconic outfits of the tournament, including one with cut-outs on the waist. Her sister, Venus Williams, worked one year with Diane Von Furstenberg to create a stand-out dress with an open criss-cross back.

Although royal sightings are expected to be down this year due to COVID-19, as well as the relocation of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex to the US, it is possible the tournament will pay tribute to one of its most famous spectators, Princess Diana, who would have turned 60 this Thursday, July 1.