Emma Raducanu, the 2021 US Open champion and British No. 1, faced controversy at Wimbledon in March 2025 when she reportedly flouted the All England Club’s 150-year-old all-white dress code during practice sessions, sparking accusations of “arrogance” from club members. According to *Wales Online* and *Daily Express US*, Raducanu was criticized for wearing a pink outfit on the prestigious SW19 courts, a violation of the strict rule mandating “almost entirely white” attire for both matches and practice, dating back to the 1880s. One member told the *Daily Mail*, “It’s so unfair. Emma rocks up in a pink outfit while everyone else respects the all-white rule. Who does she think she is?”[](https://www.gbnews.com/sport/tennis/emma-raducanu-wimbledon-rules-2671307044)[](https://www.the-express.com/sport/tennis/165881/emma-raducanu-accused-arrogance-wimbledon-outrage)
The dress code, which prohibits off-white or cream and limits colored trim to a 10mm single shade on necklines or cuffs, has tripped up stars like Nick Kyrgios (red Nike Jordans in 2022) and Roger Federer (orange-soled shoes in 2013), who were also reprimanded, per *The Mirror US*. Raducanu, then world No. 38, was forced to change into compliant all-white attire following the incident, which some members viewed as a challenge to Wimbledon’s traditions. The controversy, detailed by *Stadium Rant*, fueled debate about whether expectations are higher for British players like Raducanu, with critics labeling her actions a “small misdemeanor” or “disrespect,” per *Yardbarker*.[](https://www.stadiumrant.com/emma-raducanu-sparks-controversy-by-breaking-wimbledon-rule/)[](https://www.yardbarker.com/tennis/articles/who_does_she_think_she_is_emma_raducanu_draws_criticism_for_not_adhering_to_wimbledon_dress_code/s1_17460_41885498)
By the time Wimbledon 2025 began, Raducanu had learned her lesson, appearing in impeccable all-white gear for practice and her first-round match against Mimi Xu on June 30, which she won 6-3, 6-3, per *Birmingham Live*. Her performance, marked by 24 winners and a lighthearted moment picking up a champagne cork that landed on court, showed her focus, per *GB News*. Now facing 2023 champion Marketa Vondrousova in the second round, Raducanu’s adherence to the dress code and her on-court resilience signal her intent to move past the controversy and chase a deep run at SW19, where she’s yet to pass the fourth round.
