Umpires don’t always grasp the meaning of a phrase in a language other than their own. Now there will be no escape for the players. Maybe…

At Wimbledon, elegance has never been merely a matter of style, but a true philosophy. The impeccable aesthetics of the English green lawns, which have given the tournament that regal and timeless air, have always been reflected in the players as well. The strict white of the uniforms, with a few exceptions born of modernity, remains one of the most recognizable symbols of the London Slam, making it unique in the eyes of the world.

But the famous “total white” won’t be the only rule to follow. Because at Wimbledon, today more than ever, even words are under special scrutiny. According to reports on social media, tournament umpires will be equipped with a list of swear words in various languages, a tool designed to accurately identify when a player utters an “audible obscenity.” In reality, swear words and profanities have long fallen into this category and are therefore subject to penalties under the rules. The problem, however, is primarily practical: chair umpires do not always grasp the meaning of an outburst if it is uttered in a language other than their own. This is where the “novelty” comes in. With these lists, umpires will be able to identify offensive expressions more easily. As for the consequences, however, there is talk of a hefty fine for the player.

update—  In reality, rather than a complete revolution, this is an update. As a chair umpire told The Guardian back in 2014, at Wimbledon, umpires were provided with lists of offensive terms precisely to help them navigate the various languages of the tour. It is therefore likely that for this edition, such a list will be expanded and updated. The news has nonetheless gone viral on social media, where, amid sarcasm and comments, the name Lorenzo Musetti has also popped up. The Tuscan is known not only for his aesthetic tennis but also for his frequent use of profanity on the court. In London, therefore, it’s not enough to dress in white to be impeccable: you also need to speak properly.