Iga Swiatek explains her decision to ignore WTA’s instruction of white dress as her red outfit at the WTA Finals 2023 gala caused an uproar
Sebastian Wright
Updated on March 31, 2026
Iga Swiatek turned heads at the WTA Finals Gala dinner on Tuesday night when she arrived in a stunning red dress. She made a bold fashion statement at the dinner, as all the other players were dressed in white.
The Polish star later explained that she had chosen her dress months in advance. She also clarified that she had been told that the dress code was not mandatory.
Swiatek stated that she chose her attire months in advance and was oblivious to the white dress rule until a few days before the event. The dress code perplexed her because it wasn’t a wedding or other formal occasion. The World No.2 and the other players talked about the regulation and agreed to ask the WTA if there was a way to get around it.
The WTA first responded by advising the players to adhere to the white clothing policy. After additional consideration, the WTA decided to relax the regulation and let players wear anything they pleased. Swiatek was happy with the WTA’s decision and decided to wear the red dress she had originally selected.
Honestly there was no story. I picked the dress a couple months before. Then WTA emailed us that we should all wear white. We were like 'really?' We're not getting married or something. We asked them if it's possible to maybe not have that rule. They sent an email a couple of hours later & said 'It's okay, you can kind of wear whatever you want.'Swiatek on Tennis Channel
Iga Swiatek starts off the WTA Finals with a win
The World No.2 overpowered Wimbledon champion Marketa Vondrousova in straight sets Monday in her opening WTA Finals game in Cancun. The 22-year-old was off to a shaky start as she struggled in the first set.
Vondrousova held a 2-0 lead in the beginning. The Pole tried to make a comeback but the set went to a tiebreaker in the end.
Iga Swiatek comes from 2-5 down in the first set and wins 11 of the last 12 games to seal victory against Marketa Vondrousova. 🇵🇱
7-6 6-0 in less than 1h40'.
— Relevant Tennis (@RelevantTennis) October 30, 2023
She finally roared back with a 7-3 victory in the tiebreak. She turned the tides in the second set as she won 6-0. The four-time Grand Slam champion will be looking to regain her World No.1 title from Aryna Sabalenka.
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