Tennis

Tennis Fashion Takes Center Stage at Nitto ATP FinalsFor the first time since 2018, all eight top-ranked players at the Nitto ATP Finals graced the iconic group photo in stylish attire. The fashion-forward move reflects the growing influence of major fashion houses in tennis, with players like Jannik Sinner (Gucci), Taylor Fritz (BOSS), Casper Ruud (Dior), and Carlos Alcaraz (Louis Vuitton) sporting their sponsors' designs.However, the eclectic fashion choices sparked mixed reactions among fans and fashion critics. Derek Guy, known as the "Menswear Guy" on Twitter, shared his thoughts on the outfits, highlighting the lack of ties and the use of soft tailoring. He suggested that a classic suit and tie would have presented a more polished and unified look.Guy offered specific style advice for several players. He recommended a stiffer jacket for Sinner and Andrey Rublev, a textured fabric for Fritz's gray sport coat, and a navy double-breasted jacket for Ruud. He also advised wearing a darker jacket with lighter pants, as seen in Alcaraz's outfit.Despite Guy's critiques, fans defended their favorite players' looks. Daniil Medvedev's unconventional shoelace belt and Alexander Zverev's pinstriped suit with a sleek bun were among the most discussed outfits.The fashion choices at the Nitto ATP Finals underscore the growing intersection between tennis and fashion. As players become more closely associated with luxury brands, their on-court attire is becoming an extension of their personal style and a reflection of the sport's evolving image.

WTA Finals: Stars Shine in Riyadh with Stunning FashionThe WTA Finals in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, has kicked off with a dazzling display of fashion and athleticism. The world's top tennis players gathered for the traditional pre-tournament photo shoot and gala, showcasing their impeccable style and the latest trends.World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka, defending champion Iga Swiatek, and the rest of the season-ending championship competitors stepped out in the historic district of Diriyah, adorned in garments from renowned designers.Zheng Qinwen turned heads in a vibrant red Christian Dior dress, while Coco Gauff opted for a delicate blush pink gown by Saudi-born designer Yousef Akbar. Elena Rybakina exuded elegance in Elie Saab, and Jasmine Paolini chose a sophisticated sand-colored gown by Brunello Cucinelli.Rybakina praised her fellow players' fashion choices, particularly Paolini's stunning ensemble. "Jasmine Paolini looked really good sitting by that chair," she remarked.The players' preparation for the photo shoot was a glamorous affair. Makeup artists and hairstylists worked their magic, transforming the athletes into fashion icons.The action on the court begins on Saturday, with Sabalenka facing Zheng and Rybakina taking on Paolini in singles action. In doubles, Siniakova and Townsend will face US Open winners Lyudmyla Kichenok and Jelena Ostapenko, while Hsieh Su-wei and Elise Mertens take on Nicole Melichar-Martinez and Ellen Perez.The WTA Finals in Riyadh promises to be a thrilling spectacle, both on and off the court. The players' stunning fashion choices have set the stage for an unforgettable event that celebrates the intersection of sports and style.

Tennis Stars Fritz and Berrettini Dominate Milan Fashion Week RunwayATP stars Taylor Fritz and Matteo Berrettini made a bold statement at Milan Fashion Week, showcasing the latest collection from German fashion brand BOSS. The event marked a significant moment for the sport, as tennis fashion continues to gain traction in the cultural zeitgeist.Fritz, the top-ranked American tennis player, opened the show, leading models through a picturesque urban garden at the Palazzo del Senato. The collection, titled "Out of Office," emphasized the importance of rest and relaxation as a form of luxury. Fritz, who wears BOSS both on and off the court, believes that tennis fashion has become a versatile trend that can be worn in various settings.Berrettini, the 2021 Wimbledon finalist, also graced the runway, showcasing a collection featuring muted colors, relaxed silhouettes, and utilitarian bags. The Italian tennis star, who has been working his way back to full fitness after injuries, sees fashion as an escape from the daily grind of tennis. He appreciates the creative freedom and collaboration that BOSS offers.Both Fritz and Berrettini are global ambassadors for BOSS, joining the brand in 2023 and 2022, respectively. Their presence at Milan Fashion Week further solidifies the growing connection between tennis and fashion.The event highlighted the increasing influence of tennis in the fashion world, as brands recognize the sport's growing popularity and cultural impact. Tennis fashion has become a unique blend of style and functionality, appealing to both athletes and fashion enthusiasts alike.

Aryna Sabalenka's post-US Open victory tour has taken a glamorous turn, with the Belarusian star attending Off-White's New York Fashion Week runway show. Sabalenka, who captured her third Grand Slam title at Flushing Meadows, has been making waves in the fashion world since her triumph.Her appearance at the Off-White show, known for its collaborations with Nike, has sparked speculation that Sabalenka could be the next tennis star to partner with the iconic brand. Nike has a long history of working with tennis legends, including Serena Williams, whose "tutu"-inspired dress at the 2019 US Open was designed by Off-White.Sabalenka's visit to the fashion show was not her only post-Open outing. She has also made appearances on morning TV shows, including the TODAY show and Live with Kelly & Mark, alongside men's singles champion Jannik Sinner.In a gesture of appreciation for her fans, Sabalenka has offered a $10 promotion on Dobel Tequila cocktails. The 26-year-old has been celebrating her victory in style, enjoying the sights and sounds of New York City.Sabalenka's post-Open tour has been a whirlwind of media appearances, fashion events, and fan interactions. As she continues her reign as one of the top players in women's tennis, it will be interesting to see what other adventures lie ahead for the Belarusian star.

Jessica Pegula's initial skepticism towards Adidas' Pro WOW Dress has transformed into admiration after experiencing its benefits on the court at the US Open. The eye-catching blue, black, and white dress, featuring long sleeves and underarm cutouts, has sparked discussions among tennis and fashion enthusiasts.Adidas' 2024 New York Collection, inspired by the high temperatures at Flushing Meadows, prioritizes body temperature management and range of motion. Pegula, along with other Adidas athletes like Caroline Wozniacki and Alexander Zverev, has embraced the collection.The Pro WOW Dress, priced at $210, boasts a cobalt blue colorway inspired by the tournament's hard courts. Its long sleeves with underarm cutouts, strategic color blocks, and mesh opening in the back enhance ventilation.Pegula initially found the dress's silhouette unusual, but after several rounds at the US Open, she has grown to appreciate its functionality. She describes it as "super lightweight" and has noticed the effects of the color-blocking during matches."I know that it somehow helped with air flow and heat based on the black and white on the sleeves and the shoulders... as well, I think, to block the sun off your shoulders," Pegula explained.Despite concerns about heat retention, Pegula found the dress to be breathable and comfortable. She has maintained a calm and composed demeanor on court, advancing to the fourth round without dropping a set.Pegula's next opponent, Diana Shnaider, is also known for her distinctive on-court style. The two players will face off on Monday for a place in the quarterfinals.

Serena Williams, the legendary tennis icon, made a grand return to the 2024 US Open, captivating the crowd with a nostalgic nod to her iconic 2004 denim ensemble. This marked her first appearance at a Grand Slam tournament since her official retirement two years prior.Williams' presence at the US Open, where she has triumphed six times, was a testament to her enduring legacy in the sport. Her return was met with thunderous applause and admiration from fans and fellow players alike.The 23-time Grand Slam champion's denim outfit was a deliberate homage to the 20th anniversary of her original Nike kit, which became an instant classic. Williams' love for the ensemble was evident in her interview with Vogue, where she described it as one of her all-time favorites."I wanted more pizzazz," Williams said of her decision to switch to Nike from Puma. "I loved what Andre [Agassi] wore when he wore the jean shorts. I wanted to wear a jean skirt!"The custom-designed jean skirt, made from a lightweight fabric to ensure optimal performance, was a testament to Williams' attention to detail and her desire to push the boundaries of tennis fashion.Beyond her on-court appearances, Williams also took time to connect with former pros, including current world No. 1 Iga Swiatek. Her presence at the US Open served as a reminder of her enduring influence on the sport and her continued passion for tennis.Williams' return to the US Open was not only a celebration of her past achievements but also a glimpse into her future. Her love for the game and her desire to inspire the next generation of players were evident in every interaction.As the US Open draws to a close, fans can only hope that Williams' denim reference will spark a revival of the trend in 2025. Her iconic style and unwavering spirit continue to inspire and captivate the tennis world.

Leylah Fernandez, the 2021 US Open finalist, has made a bold fashion statement at this year's tournament, showcasing a new look that reflects her evolving style and personal identity.Fernandez's most striking change is her cornrow braids, a style she says she has always admired and wanted to try. The braids pay homage to her Latina heritage and her desire to express her individuality."I've always loved athletes who wore braids," Fernandez said. "I thought it was kind of cool."The braids have been a hit with fans on social media, and Fernandez says she has "fallen in love" with the new look. She plans to experiment with more styles in the future.Fernandez's outfit also features a new Lululemon dress designed with her input. The white dress with pleated skirt and pops of teal and yellow is a departure from her previous outfits as the brand's first global brand ambassador in tennis."For the longest time, I've never been a fan of dresses," Fernandez admitted. "But Lululemon was very patient with me and made a dress that meets my needs."Fernandez provided detailed feedback to the design team, requesting more performance-specific options and a lighter, more breathable material."I love that they kept the dress simple," Fernandez said. "I'm trying to show off my personality and let my tennis game show in my clothes."Completing Fernandez's outfit is a new tennis shoe designed by Aesem Athletica, a footwear project founded by her father, Jorge. The shoes are still in the pre-launch stage but have been designed to fit the lifestyle of the new generation of athletes."My dad has been working on this for a long time," Fernandez said. "I'm happy to see his imagination coming to life."Fernandez says she appreciates the cool "sneaker-like" look of the shoe, which is designed to transition seamlessly on and off court."I don't need to bring 20 pairs of shoes in my luggage anymore," she said. "These shoes are perfect."Fernandez's new look is a reflection of her growth as a player and a person. She is embracing her individuality and using her platform to inspire others."I hope my new look shows that it's okay to be different," Fernandez said. "You can be yourself and still be successful."

Wilson, the official ball of the US Open, has unveiled a stylish capsule collection in collaboration with art collective New York Sunshine. This limited-edition line brings a touch of "New York sunshine" to the tennis courts at Flushing Meadows, while paying homage to the tournament's unsung heroes.Wilson has been making waves in the on-court style department, but this collaboration takes their fashion game to a new level. The collection features hoodies, crew neck sweaters, tees, and a cap, all adorned with a twist on the iconic "Extra Duty" description of the tennis ball.Wilson's Extra Duty ball has been the official ball of the US Open since 1978. This collaboration celebrates that long-standing connection while honoring the maintenance crews who keep the courts in pristine condition. The collection's tagline reads: "For the names not on the scoreboard—the ones whose labor breathes life into the court, and the ones who hold their work to the highest standard. Without them, the biggest stage in tennis is just a park in Queens."One of the highlights of the collection is a limited-edition colorway of the classic white Pro Staff 87 sneakers. This model was revived by Wilson this year with modern updates. The shoe features tennis ball felt details and the words "Extra Duty" along the back heel, making it the perfect tennis shoe for the summer.The Wilson x New York Sunshine collaboration is selling out fast, but it's still available online at wilson.com, Wilson Live, and newyorksunshine.com, as well as in-stores at Wilson's Columbus Circle location.

Tennis Stars Showcase Streetwear Style at National Bank OpenInspired by the pre-game fashion displays in the NBA and WNBA, the WTA Tour has introduced a behind-the-scenes photo series showcasing the off-court streetwear looks of its top stars. The initiative debuted at the National Bank Open in Toronto, highlighting the intersection of athletics and lifestyle.Bianca Andreescu, the 2019 US Open champion, expressed her enthusiasm for the concept, stating that it allows players to showcase their personalities beyond the court. Coco Gauff, known for her custom New Balance kits, emphasized the potential for this trend to grow the sport by appealing to fans who appreciate both fashion and sports.Among the players who participated in the photo series were Aryna Sabalenka, Naomi Osaka, and Ons Jabeur. Jabeur highlighted her partnership with Kayanee, a Saudi-owned fitness and lifestyle brand. Marta Kostyuk, Wilson's on-court ambassador, and Leylah Fernandez, lululemon's chief ambassador, also joined in.Anastasia Potapova and Alycia Parks added a touch of whimsy by posing with their furry companions. As the tour approaches the US Open, one of the world's fashion capitals, it is expected that more stylish serves will be on display.The WTA's embrace of streetwear fashion reflects a growing trend in sports, where athletes are increasingly expressing their individuality through their off-court attire. This initiative not only enhances the fan experience but also aligns with the broader cultural shift towards embracing personal style and self-expression.