Jelena Ostapenko lifted her skirt during a heated exchange with umpire Jamie Crowson over Wimbledon's strict all-white dress code. The incident occurred before a doubles match in 2024, when Crowson questioned Ostapenko's attire as she warmed up with partner Hsieh Su-wei for their second-round clash against Marta Kostyuk and Elena-Gabriela Ruse.
Ostapenko's Response to the Umpire's Query
Following a brief conversation with Crowson, a visibly irritated Ostapenko lifted her skirt to reveal green undershorts, which comply with the tournament's regulations. The display was a direct response to what she perceived as an unwarranted inquiry about her clothing.
Wimbledon's Revised Dress Code
Wimbledon enforces a strict all-white dress code for players. However, ahead of the 2023 tournament, the All England Club revised its rules to allow female players to wear dark undershorts, addressing concerns related to menstruation. According to the Mirror, All England Club Chief Executive Sally Bolton stated, "We are committed to supporting the players and listening to their feedback as to how they can perform at their best. 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's 2026 Wimbledon Performance
Ostapenko returned to SW19 in 2026, reaching the third round of the singles competition before losing to Aryna Sabalenka, one of the top players on the women's circuit. The skirt-lifting incident from 2024 resurfaced as a notable moment in her Wimbledon history.
