Federer: All-white clothing rule "too strict"

LONDON — Roger Federer says Wimbledon's tighter enforcement of its all-white clothing policy for players is "too strict."

There have been complaints this year from some players over the more stringent regulations that include undergarments, the amount of colored trim on shirts and shorts and headbands and wristbands.

Seven-time champion Federer, who was last year told not to wear running shoes with orange soles, said after his quarterfinal win Wednesday that photographs of past champions such as Stefan Edberg and Boris Becker show that "there was some colors."

All England Club chief executive Richard Lewis said in a statement provided by a club spokesman that "the rule is almost entirely in white."

"We felt the time was right to make accessories such as undergarments, headbands and wristbands consistent with the policy we were applying to the shirts, shorts and socks," Lewis added.

Federer said he hopes Wimbledon might be less rigid with the all-white clothing rules in the future.

"My personal opinion, I think it's too strict," he said. "But I respect. I understand. Maybe one day they'll loosen up the grip again a bit, but that's the time we go through right now. "