Stuffy Wimbledon needs colour, says Federer

ROGER Federer has branded Wimbledon’s strict dress rule as “extreme” and compared playing at SW19 to the 1950s.

Roger Federer. Picture: Getty Images

The seven-time Wimbledon champion said he was in favour of “loosening” the “almost entirely white” rule because he enjoyed watching his heroes Boris Becker and Stefan Edberg play in more colourful shirts.

“I just find it quite extreme to what extent it’s gotten to white,” he said after his second round victory.

“We’re talking white like it was in the 50s. If you look at the pictures then, it was all white.

“When I came on tour, when I was watching on TV, I still have the pictures in my mind where Edberg and Becker and all those guys, they had more colour.

“They were iconic t-shirts, iconic moments, I thought.

“I would still be in favour of loosening it up a little bit.”

Wimbledon’s dress code states that players must dress in “almost entirely white” during competitive matches at SW19.

Former Wimbledon finalist Eugenie Bouchard avoided punishment during this year’s tournament after questions were raised over whether her bra broke the dress code.

Bouchard, 21, was playing against China’s Ying-Ying Duan when chair umpire Louise Engzell noticed that she was wearing a black bra.

After the matter was referred to the referee’s office it was decided that no action was required.