Tennis

Casper Ruud, the world's sixth-ranked tennis player, made a fashion statement at the Tokyo Olympics by donning a blue-themed ensemble for his second-round match against Andrea Vavassori. The Norwegian's attire was a stark contrast to the red Yonex shirt he wore in his Olympic debut, which drew criticism for its lack of blue.Ruud expressed his disappointment with the initial kit, saying, "I would have liked to see a little more blue in it myself." However, he emphasized that he had no control over the design and simply wore what was provided.The red shirt also raised eyebrows among fellow Yonex athletes, including Stan Wawrinka of Switzerland, who joked about the "Scandinavian wins" and the "outfit." Holger Rune of Denmark, who missed the Olympics due to injury, also commented on the trend, saying, "People might think I play anyway 🇩🇰😂."In his second match, Ruud showcased a more patriotic look with a blue-heavy outfit. He overcame a slow start to defeat Vavassori in three sets, setting up a third-round clash with Argentine Francisco Cerundolo.Ruud's Olympic journey has been marked by both fashion and athleticism. His blue-themed ensemble has become a talking point, while his performances on the court have kept Norway's hopes alive in the men's singles competition.

Wimbledon's pristine white dress code has long been a symbol of tradition and elegance. However, players like Donna Vekic are finding subtle ways to express their individuality on court, even within the tournament's strict guidelines.Vekic, the 28-year-old Croatian, has become a fan favorite at this year's Wimbledon, reaching her first Grand Slam semifinal. Along with her impressive performance, her Wimbledon-themed manicure has caught the attention of eagle-eyed tennis enthusiasts.The manicure features the tournament's signature green and purple colors in a modern twist on French tips. It's a subtle yet stylish way for Vekic to pay homage to the tradition of Wimbledon while still expressing her own personality.Vekic is not the only player who has embraced nail art at Wimbledon. Coco Gauff, Mirra Andreeva, and others have also showcased their creativity with Wimbledon-inspired designs. According to Gauff, it's a way for players to express themselves while still respecting the tournament's dress code."Honestly at Wimbledon there's not too much you can do in the color department," Gauff said. "But I just think of Wimbledon as a tradition. Even with my nails, I always get, like, French (tips) or white here just to match that elegance of it."Vekic's Wimbledon journey has been a testament to her resilience and determination. Once a touted tennis prodigy, she has faced setbacks due to injuries. However, she has persevered and is now enjoying one of the best moments of her career."I think I'm a different person now compared to six years ago," Vekic said. "I feel like I've matured more. Maybe I'm enjoying it more."Vekic will face No. 7 seed Jasmine Paolini on Thursday for a spot in the Wimbledon final. With her Wimbledon-themed manicure and newfound confidence, she will be looking to continue her fairytale run and make history at the All England Club.

Coco Gauff, the American tennis sensation, has been making waves both on and off the court at Wimbledon 2023. Her impressive performances, coupled with her striking fashion choices, have drawn comparisons to tennis legend Serena Williams.Gauff's New Balance kit at this year's Championships features bold cutouts at the mid-back and hips, reminiscent of Williams' iconic Nike dress from 2019. The American teenager, however, is quick to dispel any notions of imitation."I think that Serena has just done every iconic dress 'fit in the game that unintentionally you can have something inspired by her," Gauff explained. "It was similar to my Australian Open outfit this year. Some people thought it was inspired by her, which it wasn't."Gauff acknowledges Williams' influence on tennis fashion, but emphasizes that her own style is unique. "I feel like Serena is such an icon that everybody can have inspiration from her, like she's the original," she said. "I take it as an acknowledgment."The 18-year-old's Grand Slam kits are meticulously planned years in advance, with input from Gauff herself. However, she credits the creative team at New Balance for bringing her vision to life."I don't really ever design anything," Gauff admitted. "I tell them what I want and then they put it into a nice way."Gauff's fashion choices extend beyond her on-court attire. Her honey-blonde braids, inspired by singer Willow Smith, have also garnered attention.The American's impressive form and stylish appearance have made her a fan favorite at Wimbledon. She will face British qualifier Sonay Kartal on Friday, looking to continue her strong run in the tournament.

Marta Kostyuk's Wimbledon wardrobe has come full circle, drawing inspiration from her wedding attire. Last year, the Ukrainian tennis star married in two Wilson-designed dresses, and now, she's collaborating with the brand to create her 2024 Wimbledon kit.The new kit features a sleeveless, deep-V-neck dress with an open back, reminiscent of a bridal gown. However, it also incorporates elements from Kostyuk's wedding dress, such as a button-up top layer. The overdress is shorter for Wimbledon, but retains similar button fixtures."We added an underlayer component and raised the neckline a little bit," said Joelle Michaeloff, Wilson's head of design. "We don't want any mistakes in Wimbledon."Kostyuk debuted the dress on Monday, winning her first-round match in straight sets. Fans can purchase "The Marta Dress" as a two-piece for $298 or a one-piece for $198.Kostyuk's sartorial choices have garnered attention in the past. She and Wilson have consistently made tennis' best-dressed lists. Their collaboration for the Wimbledon kit is a testament to their shared commitment to style and performance.

Marta Kostyuk, the 21-year-old Ukrainian tennis star, has made headlines not only for her on-court style but also for her bold off-court fashion statement. Ahead of Wimbledon, Kostyuk was featured in a special Olympic and Paralympic photo shoot by Vogue Ukraine, where she posed in nothing but a white tennis skirt.The images quickly went viral online, sparking both admiration and controversy. Kostyuk, however, remained unfazed, expressing her honor to represent her war-torn homeland alongside other Ukrainian sporting legends.Kostyuk's fashion statement comes at a time when Ukraine is facing immense challenges due to the ongoing conflict. Her decision to pose in such a vulnerable way has been interpreted by some as a symbol of resilience and defiance.Beyond her off-court style, Kostyuk is also preparing for her Olympic debut in Paris. She will lead a strong Ukrainian women's squad that includes Tokyo bronze medalist Elina Svitolina and Australian Open semifinalist Dayana Yastremska.Kostyuk will be hoping to improve her form before the Games, having lost five of her last six matches. However, her determination and fighting spirit remain unwavering.As she prepares for Wimbledon and the Olympics, Kostyuk is not only a rising star in tennis but also an inspiration for her country and beyond. Her bold fashion statement and unwavering spirit have made her a symbol of hope and resilience in these challenging times.

Serena and Venus Williams, the legendary tennis icons, graced the runway at Vogue World in Paris, showcasing their impeccable style and the intersection of sports and fashion. The fashion extravaganza, conceived by Vogue editor Anna Wintour, celebrated the upcoming Paris Olympics and the 1920s in French fashion.Venus Williams, a former world number one, exuded elegance in a custom dress by Marine Serre. The dress, a tribute to her tennis roots, was crafted from recycled tennis bags, reflecting her passion for sustainability. "I've always loved fashion, and it's grown even more during my tennis career," Venus said. "To perform your best, you need to feel your best, and what you wear is crucial."Serena Williams, a 23-time Grand Slam champion, stunned in a custom gown by Ib Kamara of Off-White. The dress featured a vibrant robin's egg blue sport jersey top and a flowing silk georgette skirt. The graphics incorporated Off-White's signature codes and Serena's iconic on-court looks, with "Queen of Queens" emblazoned on the white paneling."Working with my sister is always the best," Venus added. "She's been there for me throughout my career's most special moments."Beyond the Williams sisters, the tennis world was well-represented at Vogue World. Casper Ruud, the Norwegian tennis star, and his girlfriend, Maria Galligani, attended the event. Ruud, who recently became an ambassador for Dior Men, wore a blue-gray suit from the fashion house's pre-fall 2024 collection. Galligani opted for a white and gold silk dress from Zimmerman's spring/summer 2024 collection.Maria Sharapova, another tennis legend, made a striking appearance in a cream-colored Schiaparelli suit with gold accents. She paired the outfit with bold berry-hued lipstick. "Paris holds so many special memories for me, and this experience was another one for the books," Sharapova shared on Instagram.Vogue World showcased the seamless fusion of sports and fashion, with the Williams sisters leading the charge. Their presence on the runway highlighted the growing influence of athletes in the fashion world and the power of sports to inspire creativity and style.

Casper Ruud: A Style Icon on and Off the CourtCasper Ruud, the former world No. 2 tennis player, has become a fashion icon both on and off the court. His recent appointment as a Dior Ambassador has solidified his status as a style star.Ruud joins an elite group of athletes, including French hurdler Sasha Zhoya, Hong Kong fencer Cheung Ka Long, Paralympic swimmer Alex Portal, and rower Matteo Sartori, in Dior's star-studded campaign for the 2024 Summer Olympic Games in Paris.Ruud's fashion credentials extend beyond his Dior ambassadorship. He has graced the covers of Vogue Scandinavia and GQ, and has caught the attention of Vogue's editor-in-chief, Anna Wintour. Many speculate that Wintour sees Ruud as a potential successor to Roger Federer, who is known for his impeccable style.On the court, Ruud has established himself as a formidable force. He has reached the semifinals of Roland Garros three consecutive times, including two appearances in the final. His impressive performances have earned him a spot among the medal contenders for the men's singles event at the upcoming Olympics.Ruud's ability to balance his athletic and fashion pursuits is a testament to his versatility and dedication. He is a true ambassador for the sport of tennis and a role model for aspiring athletes and fashion enthusiasts alike.

Fabio Fognini, the enigmatic Italian tennis star, has unveiled a striking new look that has set social media abuzz. On Saturday, Fognini took to Instagram to showcase his bleached-blond highlights, a departure from his signature dark brown hair. The 37-year-old cheekily asked his followers to "Rate from 1 to 10," sparking a flurry of reactions.Fognini's hair transformation is not unprecedented in the world of tennis. Roger Federer, Richard Gasquet, Dominic Thiem, and Casper Ruud have all experimented with lighter roots at various points in their careers. However, Fognini's decision to embrace the trend at this stage of his career has raised eyebrows.Former Australian Open doubles champion Robert Lindstedt couldn't resist a playful jab, asking, "Did the Mrs. (Flavia Pennetta) approve this?" Fognini's wife, Flavia Pennetta, is a retired tennis player who won the US Open in 2015.Fognini's new look is reminiscent of a previous style he debuted in Los Cabos, which featured beads and tiny braids. At the recent Roland Garros, Fognini won his opening match before bowing out to Tommy Paul. It remains to be seen whether his highlighter hair will survive the upcoming grass-court season.Fognini's bold fashion choices have always been a talking point. His eccentric style and outspoken personality have made him a fan favorite. Whether his new hairdo will become a permanent fixture or a fleeting experiment, it is sure to generate plenty of discussion in the tennis world.

Roland Garros, the prestigious clay-court Grand Slam, has witnessed a captivating display of fashion alongside the thrilling tennis action. From custom kits to bold colorways, the tournament has been a showcase for the latest trends in tennis attire.Naomi Osaka, the four-time major champion, made a statement in a custom Nike dress featuring an asymmetrical silhouette and contrasting colorways on her shoes. Aryna Sabalenka stood out in a unique "Rust Factor" orange Nike dress, while Daniil Medvedev's Lacoste kit became an instant hit with its navy blue and burgundy red details.Coco Gauff's New Balance outfit inspired a WNBA crossover, with Los Angeles Sparks star Cameron Brink citing Gauff as her pre-game fashion inspiration. Marta Kostyuk's eye-catching Wilson dress in field green featured perforated panels and a low-back keyhole cutout.Casper Ruud showcased Yonex's 2024 Paris Collection, with performance tops and shorts in olive green, beige, and orange. Jelena Ostapenko's DK One dress combined sky blue and hot pink panels, while Zhang Zhizhen's all-pink K-Swiss look turned heads.Andrey Rublev unveiled his first day and night match kits for his clothing brand Rublo, featuring contrasting colorways and new K-Swiss shoes. Ajla Tomljanovic's Original Penguin outfit featured a geometric print in royal blue, white, and hot pink.Finally, Iga Swiatek debuted a fresh On ensemble in a red, white, and indigo blue gradient, paying homage to the tournament's Parisian setting. The world No. 1 completed the look with her signature white hat and custom On shoes.Roland Garros has once again proven to be a fashion-forward event, where the latest trends in tennis attire take center stage alongside the world's top players.