No underwear rule, no Sue Barker and additional safety – what’s new at Wimbledon
The 2023 Wimbledon Championships are upon us with tennis’ iconic grass-court Grand Slam getting underway on Monday. And there’s loads of change on the All England Club this yr with new guidelines and rules in place at SW19. Express Sport runs by way of what’s new…
Clare Balding replaces Sue Barker as lead BBC presenter
After 30 years, Sue Barker retired after the ultimate final yr with Clare Balding now. BBC commentator Andrew Castle mentioned: “The baton has been passed. Clare is a natural. She knows where the story is and she knows human beings. Her research is fantastic. There is nothing that she doesn’t know.”
Female gamers now not should put on white underwear
Wimbledon’s resolution to reverse its ban on colored underwear has been welcomed by WTA stars. The all-white clothes coverage for underwear might trigger nervousness or embarrassment for some girls in the event that they have been on their interval.
British No 6 Heather Watson mentioned: “When I heard this I was really happy because last year I went on the pill to stop myself bleeding because I knew we had to wear white under-shorts, and I didn’t want to face any embarrassment. We’re running around sweating, doing the splits on the court.
“When Wimbledon announced that about the under-shorts I was so happy because it makes such a big difference.” Former French Open finalist Coco Gauff added: “I was on my period at Wimbledon last year and it was very stressful. You have the period underwear to help you but it’s still at the back of your mind.”
Russians and Belarusians are again after final yr’s ban
Stars like Daniil Medvedev and Aryna Sabalenka have been banned from all UK grass court docket occasions in 2022 following the invasion of Ukraine. The WTA and ATP responded with big fines for the LTA and stripped Wimbledon of rating factors.
World No 3 Medvedev mentioned: “I don’t know how it’s going to work with the fans. You never know. You come on the court, I don’t know how they will feel. When I go on the court, I always try to be myself.
“The more I play tennis, the more I feel like if you try to fake something to win the fans over, they are probably going to feel it, maybe not straightaway but sooner or later. You’re going to drown in these lies because you’re not going to remember where you lied the last time. If you tell the truth, it’s easier.
“And talking about Wimbledon, I’m following the rules. I’m happy I’m able to play this year, a tournament I love. Hopefully I can show some good tennis and stay here for longer.
“When I go out in London or here even in Wimbledon, seeing some people from the grounds and stuff like this, I feel like we’re in a good relationship with London. The ban? It’s their position. It’s the position of the tournament. Me, I’m just here to play tennis.”
Ukrainian Elina Svitolina, who faces Venus Williams on Monday, mentioned: “I was happy they made the decision last year. This year the pressure was there from organisations and it was quite expected I guess because they wouldn’t want to lose the Slam and we had to accept it. We are still grateful for the support.”
Increased safety
The menace of disruption from environmental protesters has seen safety beefed up – and thorough bag searches to cease orange powder being introduced into the All England Club. Get right here early – and count on delays on arrival.
Coaching from the stands allowed for the primary time
All 4 Grand Slams have now adopted the WTA and ATP Tours by permitting coaches to speak with gamers throughout matches. Cam Norrie mentioned: “I’m not too worried too much about the coaching. Usually I’m just trying to figure it out for myself.”
Alexa, cowl the match on Court 14
Wimbledon is introducing AI-generated audio and textual content commentary in its on-line highlights this yr. In a step in the direction of producing AI commentary on full matches, the All England Club has teamed up with IBM to supply mechanically created voiceovers and captions for its footage. The service shall be accessible on the Wimbledon app and web site and is separate to the BBC’s protection.