When it comes to tennis, how players dress is just as important as the game itself. If they don’t abide by the rules, they could be faced with huge fines.
The US Open is back and thousands of fans and spectators have been able to watch their favourites compete for the Grand Slam title.
However, some people may not know that players have to comply with strict clothing rules when they’re taking part in the competition.
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The rules for what players have to wear for the US Open aren’t as specific as some other tournaments but there is a set of guidelines they have to follow nonetheless.
(Image: Getty Images)
Players are generally free to wear whatever they want as long as they present themselves in a “professional manner” – however there are some things that just don’t cut it.
Sweatshirts, gym shorts, dress shirts and t-shirts are all banned in both the warm-up and the match while there are also certain restrictions on sponsorship and “commercial identifications” on both clothing and equipment.
Violating the rules will see you reprimanded by the umpire or referee and ordered to change immediately. Players aren’t allowed to merely tape over their clothing and “failure of a player to comply with such order may result in immediate default”.
Not only that, but going against the rules could also land players a fine of upto $20,000.
(Image: Corbis via Getty Images)
The rules state: “Every player shall dress and present himself for play in a professional manner. Clean and customarily acceptable tennis attire shall be worn as determined by each respective Grand Slam Tournament. Any exceptions to this standard must be submitted by manufacturers to the Executive Director, Grand Slam Board, prior to a Grand Slam Tournament, for approval.”
Rules at the US Open are different compared to the other Grand Slam tournaments; players have to be entirely dressed in white for Wimbledon – a dress code that dates back to standards set in the Victorian era. This rule is in place as the colour white is believed to show less sweat and is worn for propriety’s sake.
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