From Serena Williams to Naomi Osaka, the tennis fashion moments that changed the game

Tennis has always had a close relationship with fashion. Long before luxury brands entered the world of sport in the way they do today, tennis players were already redefining athletic dressing through statement silhouettes, daring styling choices, and unforgettable on-court moments. From Serena Williams and Maria Sharapova to today’s generation led by Naomi Osaka, fashion has consistently carved out a place for itself within the sport’s biggest tournaments. Whether through couture-inspired walk-ons, dramatic tutus, or jewellery designed specifically for the court, tennis continues to prove that performance and personal style can exist side by side.

Naomi Osaka

Bringing couture to centre court

Naomi Osaka once again pushed the boundaries of tennis fashion at the French Open 2026 with a series of striking walk-on looks created in collaboration with Swiss designer Kevin Germanier. Layered over a shimmering gold sequined Nike dress, the ensembles featured dramatic tulle skirts, intricate beadwork, and sculptural silhouettes that blurred the line between sport and couture. Germanier, known for his work with upcycled materials, described the collaboration as “court-ure”, a fitting term for Osaka’s fearless approach to fashion. The looks continued a growing legacy of memorable style moments for the four-time Grand Slam champion, who has transformed pre-match entrances into full-blown fashion statements.

Novak Djokovic

Turning clay into craft

At the 2026 French Open, Novak Djokovic’s Lacoste jacket became more than just sportswear; it became a symbol of the tournament itself. Inspired by the iconic red clay courts of Roland-Garros, the jacket incorporated real clay into its design, representing endurance, grit, and the physical intensity of the sport. The concept elevated performance wear into something almost artistic, transforming the marks of battle on the court into a visual expression of resilience and pride.

Serena Williams

The tutu that became fashion history

Few tennis looks remain as instantly recognisable as Serena Williams’ black tutu dress from the 2018 US Open. Designed by Virgil Abloh for Nike’s “Queen” collection, the one-shoulder silhouette combined athletic wear with ballerina-inspired drama, complete with layered tulle, metallic sneakers, and accessories stamped with Abloh’s signature typography. The look was playful yet powerful, capturing Serena’s larger-than-life presence both on and off the court while redefining what tennis fashion could look like at the highest level of the sport.

Maria Sharapova

Wimbledon whites, reimagined

Maria Sharapova’s style evolution has always gone hand in hand with her tennis career, and her 2010 Wimbledon look remains a personal favourite. Wearing Nike’s Lawn Rose dress, Sharapova brought softness and femininity to the court through delicate ruffles and layered movement inspired by English rose petals. Crafted from lightweight performance fabrics, the dress balanced elegance with functionality, proving that technical sportswear could still feel distinctly fashion-forward.

Aryna Sabalenka

Jewellery steps onto the court

Aryna Sabalenka’s French Open 2026 appearance demonstrated how accessories are becoming an increasingly important part of tennis style. The athlete paired her Nike kit with a custom three-strand necklace designed by luxury jewellery label Material Good, featuring garnets inspired by the deep red tones of the Roland-Garros clay courts. The statement piece brought a fresh perspective to on-court dressing, signalling how jewellery and sport are intersecting in more intentional and elevated ways.

Venus Williams

The dress that sparked controversy

Venus Williams has never shied away from experimentation, and her self-designed EleVen dress at the 2010 French Open remains one of tennis’ most talked-about looks. Inspired by Parisian cabaret style, the black-and-red ensemble featured corset detailing, lace textures, and a dramatic ruffled skirt that moved fluidly across the court. While the outfit drew criticism at the time for being too provocative, it also highlighted Venus’ confidence in using fashion as a form of self-expression—challenging expectations of how female athletes were expected to dress.

Fashion in tennis has never simply been about aesthetics. It has reflected individuality, rebellion, confidence, and cultural shifts within the sport itself. From couture-inspired gowns and experimental tailoring to statement jewellery and iconic performance wear, these moments have shown how athletes continue to use clothing as an extension of identity. And as tennis evolves, one thing remains certain: the court will always be as much a stage for style as it is for sport. 

Image credits: Getty Images 

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