A Memorable Wimbledon Moment: When Kim Clijsters Dressed a Fan in a Skirt
In the summer of 2017, during the Wimbledon Championships, a lighthearted exhibition match turned into one of the most entertaining and viral moments in tennis history. It involved former world No. 1 and four-time Grand Slam champion Kim Clijsters, who showcased her playful personality on Court 3.
The scene unfolded in a Ladies’ Invitational Doubles match, an event featuring retired or former players. Clijsters was partnering with Rennae Stubbs against Conchita Martinez and Andrea Jaeger. These invitation matches are known for their relaxed atmosphere, allowing players and crowds to interact more freely than in competitive rounds.
While discussing her serve placement with her partner—asking the audience whether to go wide or down the middle—a male spectator enthusiastically shouted “body serve!” Clijsters, ever the good sport, heard the suggestion and responded with a laugh. “You said body? Why don’t you go there?” she called out, inviting the fan to come down from the stands and face her serve himself.
The fan, an Irish man named Chris Quinn from Greystones, didn’t hesitate. He eagerly made his way onto the court amid cheers and laughter from the crowd. However, there was one immediate issue: Wimbledon’s strict all-white dress code. Quinn was dressed casually in a green top (reportedly featuring a Green Lantern design) and blue shorts—far from compliant.
Unfazed, Clijsters rummaged through her tennis bag and pulled out a spare white tennis skirt (technically a skort) along with a white quarter-zip jacket. With help from the other players, Quinn pulled the skirt on over his shorts, adjusting it around his hips as best he could. The commentators captured the absurdity perfectly, with one famously declaring, “That’s a man… in a skirt… trying to return Kim Clijsters’ serve. It’s 2017, people!”
Once properly attired, Quinn borrowed a racquet and took position to receive Clijsters’ serve. She went easy on him, sending gentle balls his way. To everyone’s delight—including Clijsters, who collapsed in laughter at one point—Quinn managed to return a few shots, keeping the rally alive briefly before the point ended.
The entire exchange was filled with good-natured fun. Quinn later described it as “light-hearted” and emphasized that life is too short not to say yes to such unexpected opportunities. He even kept the skort afterward, with plans to auction it for charity.
The clip quickly went viral, shared widely on social media, YouTube, and official Wimbledon channels. It remains a beloved highlight, often replayed during Wimbledon anniversaries or when celebrating Clijsters’ birthday, symbolizing the joy, spontaneity, and inclusivity that can shine through in the sport—even on the hallowed grass of the All England Club. Moments like this remind fans why tennis, at its best, blends elite competition with genuine human connection.
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