Wimbledon ditches all-white! Female players wear coloured undershorts for the first time, in a change from historic dress code to lessen stars' anxiety on their periods

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Wimbledon's female stars wore coloured undershorts for the first time in the history of the competition on Monday after the famous all-white rule was ditched to ease worries over periods.

The All-England Club announced in November it would be changing its long-standing dress-code after a number of voices called for organisers to reduce anxiety around menstrual cycles at the Grand Slam.  

Belarusian tennis player Victoria Azarenka was one of the first stars seen enacting the rule change as she wore black undershorts during her first round clash against Yue Yuan on court 15. 

Andy Murray's mother Judy and tennis legend Billie Jean King had been among the names calling for Wimbledon to abolish its rules.

British star Heather Watson revealed this weekend that she went on the pill during last year's competition in order to 'avoid embarrassment' after discovering her period would coincide with the tournament.

Wimbledon's female stars wore coloured undershorts for the first time on Monday - with Victoria Azarenka among the first to enjoy the rule-change

The Belarusian was seen wearing black undershorts during her first round clash against Yuan Yue on court 15

'When Wimbledon announced that about the under-shorts I was so happy because it makes such a big difference,' she told Sky Sports.

'I speak openly about my period and being on my period. I don't think it's a taboo subject. I would love for people to talk about it more, especially women in sport. 

'So, 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. This year I knew my period was going to be during Wimbledon again, so I'm very happy that I won't have to do the same thing as last year. I think it's a real positive and it's really great. Really forward-thinking.'

There have been growing calls to support female players amid anxiety over menstrual cycles. Pictured: Tatjana Maria and Ons Jabeur during last year's tournament

British star Heather Watson had previously campaigned for Wimbledon to change tack after revealing she went on the pill for last year's tournaments over fears of 'embarrassment'

Confirming their decision to make the key rule-change last year, Wimbledon chief Sally Bolton said officials were keen to support players and help them perform at their best level. 

'We are committed to supporting the players and listening to their feedback as to how they can perform at their best,' she said.

'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.'