Wimbledon players must follow strict '3-minute' bathroom rule
Madison Burgess
Featured Image Credit: Tim Clayton/Getty Images
Get your strawberries, cream, and Pimms out, as we’re officially on day two of Wimbledon.
The annual tennis tournament, which takes place in south-west London, kicked off on Monday (29 June) and will run all the way until 12 July.
We all know that the star-studded array of celebrities that come along to watch have to follow a strict set of dress code rules, some of which have been broken over the years.
But did you know that the players themselves are also held to some pretty tough regulations, including the length of time they can spend in the bathroom - yes, really.
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As reported by BBC Sport, for matches up to three sets, players are allowed just one toilet trip.
If the match ends up going on for longer, they’re allowed two; however, a timer begins once the player enters the toilet, as they need to be in and out within three minutes.
If you don’t stick to the time constraint, you risk getting a warning and even a point being given to your opponent.
Metro reports that the breaks are only permitted at the end of a set, and players can get an extra two minutes to change clothes, which often happens in hot weather.
Other rule-breaks that could land players a penalty include racket smashing, which, according to the broadcaster, could land competitors a fine of up to £36,900.
Bad language and kicking balls or hitting them dangerously are also big no-nos that could result in players parting with a similar chunk of money.
Meanwhile, the dress code rules are equally as strict, as competitors must be dressed in ‘suitable tennis attire that is almost entirely white’ and this applies from ‘the point at which the player enters the court surround’.
Thankfully, though, after players expressed worries about being on their period, there was an exception provided for women, who are allowed to wear solid, mid/dark-coloured undershorts, provided they are no longer than their shorts or skirt.
Prior to this, all-white clothing had been worn at Wimbledon since the tournament first began way back in 1877.
Even VIP guests are not exempt from dress-code rules of their own - with British and overseas royal families often invited to the tournament, as well as heads of government and A-Listers.
The Wimbledon website outlines that invitations come from the Chair of the All England Club, taking into account suggestions from members of The Championships’ Organising Committee, The Lawn Tennis Association, and other relevant sources.
Guests are also invited to the Clubhouse for lunch, tea, and drinks at the end of the day.
However, they must dress smart - we’re talking a suit jacket and a tie, while women are asked not to wear hats, as they tend to obscure the vision of those seated behind them.