Wimbledon star makes use of ‘vibration gadget’ throughout match to get round strict rule

One tennis star found a creative way to get around Wimbledon’s strict dress code

Wimbledon star Zeynep Sonmez claimed she creatively used a vibration device in order to bypass the strict dress rule at the Grand Slam.

The All England Club famously enforces an all-white clothing regulation that is considered extremely rigid. Breaches potentially result in fines of up to £15,700 per infringement and Sonmez’s appeal to sport alternative colours through a Palestine brooch was rejected.

The Turkish competitor, who was knocked out in the second round by Claire Liu in straight sets, has criticised the ruling because Wimbledon created a special allowance for the Ukrainian flag in 2022, following the conflict with Russia. Regulations were eased in that instance, but Sonmez was not afforded the same consideration.

Sonmez revealed she instead chose to bring a watermelon-shaped vibration dampener, a small device attached to racquet strings to minimise vibration, onto court with her, as officials could not oppose it.

“I used to wear a pin. Tournaments no longer allow me to wear it,” Sonmez told Turkish outlet AA. “We had a discussion with the organisers because the Ukrainian flag is allowed but the Palestinian is not. They ultimately told us they definitely would not allow it. So, I can’t wear the pin.

“I can use the vibration dampener, and they can’t object to that. That’s why I put the watermelon symbol on my racket.” The watermelon is connected to Palestine because it is cultivated there and displays the same colours as the Palestinian flag: red, green, white and black.

It is regarded as a symbol of resistance against Israeli oppression and occupation. Sonmez did not specify whether the All England Club prevented her from wearing the pin or if a WTA Tour or ITF regulation was behind the prohibition.

Sonmez stepped onto the court with her watermelon-shaped vibration dampener for the singles match, which resulted in defeat, but she also brought handwritten notes to read between games.

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“Because I can feel stressed or nervous during a match, I write down the things I need to pay attention to before the match so I can read them at those moments,” Sonmez explained. “I usually write notes about my opponent or reminders to stay calm mentally and keep my mind clear.

“I didn’t play very well. I couldn’t play according to the game plan I wanted. It wasn’t a day when I played good tennis or felt the ball well.” The All England Club has been reached for comment.