WTA denies Kaitlin Quevedo request to wear black mourning band

The Women's Tennis Association (WTA) has denied a request from Spanish tennis player Kaitlin Quevedo to wear a black mourning band during her quarterfinal match at the Guangzhou tournament in China. Quevedo sought to wear the band as a sign of respect for the 69 victims of a recent train accident in Urda, Spain.

The WTA cited its strict clothing, symbols, and slogans policy, which has been in effect since October 1, 2024. The organization stated that players are prohibited from displaying symbols or slogans associated with a cause, movement, or initiative on court or in official interviews unless part of an official WTA-backed campaign. While the WTA noted that the band could be any color other than black, the specific request for black was rejected.

This decision has drawn comparison to the ATP, the men's professional circuit, which permitted Spanish player Rafa Jódar to wear a black mourning band during his match in Basel to honor the same victims.