Tennis may be about skill, speed, and stamina, but let’s not pretend the fashion hasn’t always been part of the show. From prim and proper all-whites to bold statements and designer collaborations, the court has doubled as a catwalk for over a century. This list takes you through 30 unforgettable tennis fashion moments that defined eras, broke rules, and proved that you can serve both aces and looks.
Sharapova’s Power Suit Serve, 2008
Maria Sharapova turned heads at Wimbledon 2008 in an all-white ensemble inspired by a classic men’s suit.
Blooming on the Court: King, 1983
Billie Jean King brought a touch of spring to Wimbledon 1983, wearing a crisp white dress embroidered with delicate pink flowers.
Neon Slam: Serena Shines, 2006
At the 2006 JPMorgan Chase Open, Serena Williams lit up the court in a bronze tennis dress with striking neon orange accents.
Wild Style on the Court: Mattek-Sands, 2007
Bethanie Mattek-Sands turned heads at the Billie Jean King National Tennis Centre in 2007, rocking a fierce black-and-leopard tennis set that roared confidence.
Tinkerbell Vibes: Serena, 2021
At the 2021 French Open, Serena Williams brought magic to the court in a two-toned green dress with a flowing skirt, evoking Tinkerbell vibes.
Pearls & Power: Raducanu at Wimbledon, 2022
Emma Raducanu added a touch of classic elegance to her Wimbledon 2022 look, pairing Tiffany & Co. pearl earrings and a necklace with her sleek Nike kit.
Black Swan Slam: Serena, 2022
Serena Williams dazzled at the 2022 US Open in a black tutu paired with a sparkling Nike bodysuit.
Wedding Day on the Court: Kostyuk, 2024
Marta Kostyuk wowed Wimbledon 2024 in a tennis kit inspired by her wedding dress, marking the first-ever bridal-inspired design by Wilson.
Ruffles & Rallies: Osaka, 2024
Naomi Osaka brought playful drama to the 2024 US Open, wearing a Nike set bursting with ruffles and a big bow.
Green Machine: Tomljanovic, 2024
Ajla Tomljanovic turned heads at the 2024 US Open in a sleek green Penguin tennis set.
70s Pinup Power: Farrah Fawcett, 1976
Farrah Fawcett proved tennis whites could be downright glamorous in 1976, stepping out of the Playboy Mansion after a charity match looking effortlessly chic.
Legend on and off the Court: Arthur Ashe, 1975
Arthur Ashe, the first—and only—African American male to win both Wimbledon and the U.S. Open, showcased impeccable style during his 1975 Wimbledon match, wearing a knitted shirt with white shorts.
Glam Meets Game: Diana Ross, 1973
Diana Ross in 1973, rocking a knit tennis-inspired set and sneakers outside a U.K. concert.
Mystery & Style: Lea Pericoli, 1960s
Lea Pericoli kept fans guessing in the ’60s, unveiling her stunning, secret tennis outfits only on match day. Here she’s wearing a white outfit with a bow on the back.
Golden Couple Serve: JFK & Jacqueline, 1953
Before becoming icons of style and politics, John F. Kennedy and Jacqueline Bouvier showcased casual elegance on the court during a 1953 match.
Hollywood Glam on the Court: Jean Harlow, 1930s
Jean Harlow brought classic Hollywood elegance to the tennis court in the 1930s, taking a breather in a chic knitted top.
Tomboy Chic: Katharine Hepburn, 1935
Katharine Hepburn, a longtime lover of sport, showcased her active side in 1935, wearing this cute outfit.
The Crocodile’s Court: René Lacoste, 1932
René Lacoste embraced his legendary nickname in 1932, celebrating a Davis Cup win at Wimbledon while laying the groundwork for his iconic clothing line featuring the famous crocodile motif.
Style & Slam: Fred Perry, 1935
Fred Perry, the first player to achieve a career Grand Slam in 1935, left a lasting legacy both on and off the court with his iconic polo shirts adorned with the signature laurel wreath.
Apple of the Court: Evert, 1971
Chris Evert brought playful charm to Forest Hills in 1971, sporting a crisp white dress with red accents and a pocket that looked like an apple on the skirt.
Cut-Out & Cool: Gauff, 2025
Coco Gauff served style at the 2025 Australian Open in a custom New Balance kit featuring a modern cut-out open-back design.
Tutu Power: Serena x Off-White, 2018
Serena Williams stole the spotlight at the 2018 US Open in a dramatic tutu paired with a one-sleeve bodysuit from her Nike x Off-White collab.
Gaga Glamour on Grass: Mattek-Sands, 2011
Bethanie Mattek-Sands brought theatrical vibes to Wimbledon 2011, rocking a white dress topped with a fringed jacket adorned with white tennis balls on the sleeves.
Chic & Fierce: Sharapova at the 2006 US Open
Maria Sharapova served elegance at the 2006 US Open in a sleek black dress with a shiny collar, complemented by a small black bow in her hair.
Fringe Factor: Venus Shakes Wimbledon, 2010
Venus Williams brought movement and flair to Wimbledon 2010 in a white fringe dress.
Moulin Rouge Meets the Court: Venus, 2010
Venus Williams turned the 2010 French Open into a runway for her EleVen brand, wearing a Moulin Rouge-inspired dress.
Denim Dreams: Serena’s 2004 US Open Look
Serena Williams brought street style to the court at the 2004 US Open, wearing a tennis outfit with a skirt that looked like denim
Lace and Aces: Evert & King, 1971
Chris Evert and Billie Jean King brought a touch of elegance to the court at the West Side Tennis Club in 1971, sporting delicate lace tennis kits.
The Catsuit That Stopped Wimbledon, 1985
Anne White made tennis history, and headlines, when she stepped onto the Wimbledon court in a form-fitting white catsuit in 1985
Serena’s Grunge Glam Slam, 2004
At the 2004 US Open, Serena Williams served attitude as fiercely as her forehand, rocking an all-black ensemble with edgy, boot-like shoes.
