Tennis

The 2024 Met Gala witnessed a remarkable convergence of tennis and fashion, with tennis stars and celebrities alike gracing the red carpet in stunning ensembles.Tennis has long been intertwined with style, dating back to the iconic Ted Tinling. This year's Gala saw a surge in tennis-inspired looks, led by "Challengers" star Zendaya.Venus and Serena Williams, along with Maria Sharapova, made their customary appearances, embodying the "Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion" theme. Venus dazzled in glittering gold, while Serena opted for a radiant silver gown. Sharapova exuded elegance in a tennis ball-inspired dress.Zendaya, who portrayed a tennis player in the film "Challengers," showcased her versatility with multiple red carpet looks. She channeled an enchanted princess theme, captivating onlookers with her ethereal gowns.The tennis takeover extended beyond the red carpet. Sharapova shared a playful selfie video with Venus and Serena, capturing their camaraderie.The Met Gala has emerged as an unofficial fifth Slam, where tennis stars and fashion icons converge to celebrate the intersection of sports and style.

Danielle Collins, the 2022 Australian Open finalist, has signed a one-year deal with FP Movement, the activewear line from American clothing retailer Free People. This partnership marks the end of Collins' sponsorship hiatus since her New Balance contract expired in late 2021.FP Movement will provide Collins with on- and off-court activewear for the remainder of 2024. The brand had previously hinted at their collaboration with Collins in March, congratulating her on her first WTA 1000 title at the Miami Open.Collins expressed her excitement about the partnership, stating that FP Movement's blend of fashion and functionality aligns perfectly with her style. She credited the brand for her career-best form in 2024, jokingly attributing her Miami Open victory to a better outfit.Collins' favorite FP Movement pieces include the Free Throw Tank and Volley Skirt, which she wore during her 15-match winning streak that culminated in titles in Miami and Charleston. She also praised the Never Better collection for off-court workouts.FP Movement's wide range of styles and colors allows Collins to express her personal style both on and off the court. She teased new colorways and styles coming later this year, including skorts, dresses, and onesies.Collins is joining fellow Americans Sofia Kenin and Sloane Stephens as ambassadors for FP Movement. The brand's commitment to court sports is evident in its growing assortment, and Collins is thrilled to be a part of its evolution.

Zendaya's Tennis-Inspired Fashion Reigns Supreme at "Challengers" Premiere AfterpartyZendaya, the star of the upcoming tennis-themed film "Challengers," once again showcased her impeccable style at the afterparty for the film's Los Angeles premiere. After gracing the red carpet in a stunning Vera Wang gown, Zendaya transformed into a custom Celia Kritharioti creation that perfectly captured the essence of her on-screen role.The floor-length gown, a vibrant tennis ball-yellow, featured an eye-catching detail: an actual tennis ball positioned at the bottom of the deep V-neck. This playful touch echoed the "method dressing" approach that Zendaya and her stylist, Law Roach, have adopted for the film's promotional tour.At the afterparty, Zendaya had the pleasure of meeting former Wimbledon finalist Eugenie Bouchard. Bouchard, who attended the premiere alongside tennis legends Tracy Austin and Venus Williams, shared a photo with Zendaya on social media, dubbing her "the new tennis queen."Zendaya's encounter with Bouchard was just one of several interactions she has had with the tennis world during the press tour for "Challengers." Coco Gauff's coach, Brad Gilbert, served as the film's tennis consultant, while Venus Williams revealed that Zendaya had sought her out at the premiere.Despite her connections to the tennis world, Zendaya has yet to meet Gauff herself. However, after learning of Zendaya's desire to meet her, Gauff extended an open invitation from the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix in Stuttgart."I'm such a fan and you're a huge inspiration for me," Gauff said. "Maybe one day we can meet up and even get a little hit in."Zendaya's viral tennis-themed fashion has garnered widespread attention and admiration. Her ability to seamlessly blend style and substance has made her a true fashion icon. As "Challengers" prepares to hit theaters, Zendaya's unique approach to dressing for the role is sure to continue captivating audiences.

The Rise of Short Shorts in Tennis: A Fashion RevolutionIn the world of tennis, fashion has always played a significant role, with players showcasing their style on and off the court. However, the latest trend in tennis attire has sparked a heated debate: the rise of vanishingly short shorts.Pioneered by rising star Holger Rune, the short shorts trend has taken the ATP tour by storm. Rune, known for his bold fashion choices, has embraced the trend with gusto, sporting inseams that barely cover his thighs. While some players have embraced the look, others have expressed skepticism or even disapproval.Rafael Nadal, a tennis icon known for his long shorts, has acknowledged the trend but remains hesitant to adopt it. "I think five inches is pretty good," he said of his inseam length. "I don't know how long these are, but they're around five."Aryna Sabalenka, a top-ranked women's player, has expressed her support for the trend, saying, "I want to see that! Please!" Ben Shelton, another rising star, agrees, saying, "You guys know I love that."However, not everyone is convinced. Stefanos Tsitsipas, Casper Ruud, and Alex de Minaur have all expressed reservations about the trend. "It looks funny. It's not my style," said Tsitsipas.Arthur Fils, a young French player, hedges his opinion, saying, "[Holger] likes it but for us, it's a little bit weird, let's say."Madison Keys, a top-ranked American player, has raised concerns about the potential for wardrobe malfunctions, saying, "Sometimes they're a little short to where the boys are cheeking. It's just a little bit a lot."The Great Shorts Debate has sparked a lively discussion among tennis fans and players alike. Some argue that the trend is a refreshing departure from traditional tennis attire, while others believe it is inappropriate or unprofessional.As the trend continues to gain traction, it remains to be seen whether it will become a permanent fixture in tennis fashion or fade away as a passing fad. However, one thing is for sure: the short shorts trend has ignited a passionate debate about the intersection of fashion and sport.

Zendaya's Tennis-Inspired Dress Steals the Show at 'Challengers' PremiereAt the Australian premiere of the highly anticipated tennis-themed film "Challengers," Zendaya made a grand entrance on the red carpet in a dazzling green dress that paid homage to the sport. The custom-made Loewe creation featured a plunging neckline and a silhouette of a tennis player reaching up to serve a tri-colored ball."I came as a tennis court tonight. A bedazzled tennis court," Zendaya quipped on the red carpet.The dress, designed by Loewe's creative director Jonathan Anderson, who also designed the costumes for the film, was an instant hit with fans and critics alike. Zendaya's longtime stylist, Law Roach, praised her as "magic" in a post on Instagram.The dress's tennis-inspired details extended to Zendaya's accessories, including matching shoes. The actress's commitment to the theme was evident in her portrayal of Tashi Duncan in "Challengers," a one-time tennis prodigy who becomes a coach for her husband, a former Grand Slam champion.To prepare for the role, Zendaya worked closely with Brad Gilbert, a former ATP player and current coach of Coco Gauff. Gilbert praised Zendaya's athleticism and determination to learn the sport."She was very focused, very determined to learn and do the best work possible," Gilbert said. "She got really good at copying and mimicking swings.""Challengers," directed by Luca Guadagnino, is set to hit theaters in the U.S. on April 26. Zendaya's captivating performance and the film's unique blend of tennis and drama are sure to make it a must-see for fans of both sports and cinema.

The BNP Paribas Open and Miami Open presented by Itau have showcased a vibrant array of tennis apparel, with players donning unique and eye-catching outfits.Carlos Alcaraz: The defending BNP Paribas Open champion stood out in a trendy pink NikeCourt Advantage Top, featuring a subtle geometric pattern.Aryna Sabalenka: The two-time Australian Open champion rocked a "playful pink" Nike Dri-FIT Advantage dress, complemented by a pink Nike x Jacquemus hoodie with oversized cutouts of the Nike logo.Naomi Osaka: For her return to tennis, Nike created a stunning sleeveless dress with a shimmering snake skin cutout and swirling stripe detail, now available in a new dark teal and light green colorway.Taylor Fritz: The former Indian Wells champion debuted a new apparel deal with BOSS, sporting a simple white polo shirt and black shorts.Marta Kostyuk: The Ukrainian player showcased Wilson's new Sportif tennis dress in navy and white, with subtle red details.Stefanos Tsitsipas: The Greek wore a cool gray Airchill Freelift Polo from adidas with a geometric print, paired with white shorts and accessories.Andrey Rublev: Rublev unveiled a gradient gray version of his signature Rublo outfit, with proceeds from sales benefiting his foundation for children with critical medical needs.Emma Navarro: The rising WTA star impressed in Fila's Tie Breaker collection, featuring a cool gray top with contrasting swirls and waves.Coco Gauff: The 20-year-old showcased New Balance's latest apparel, including a neon yellow zippered crop top and matching skirt, complemented by her signature Coco CG1 shoes in a new "Unity of Sport" colorway.

Caroline Wozniacki's return to the BNP Paribas Open has been a nostalgic affair, showcasing her vintage form on the court. However, one notable difference has been her attire, as the former world No. 1 has been sporting the same match kits as her opponents.In her third-round match against American Katie Volynets, Wozniacki and her 11-year-younger opponent both wore Adidas' black-and-white spring match kit. While Volynets' outfit consisted of a top and skirt, Wozniacki's was a dress.Despite the similar attire, Wozniacki emphasized that they had not committed a fashion faux pas. "Katie was wearing a top and a bottom, a skirt and a top, she wasn't wearing a dress, but it kind of looked like the same," she explained.Wozniacki praised the Adidas kit, saying, "I think it's a really cool dress, so I'm going to try and rock it."Next up for Wozniacki is a fourth-round clash against another former world No. 1 and close friend, Angelique Kerber. Kerber has also been wearing the same Adidas kit, adding to the fashion symmetry on the court."I know that Angie is going to rock it too," Wozniacki said. "We've played each other so much. We know each other extremely well. There's going to be no secrets out there."The match promises to be a close contest, with both players familiar with each other's game. "It's really going to be about who is going to be better on the day. It can go either way," Wozniacki said.Wozniacki's return to the BNP Paribas Open has been a reminder of her enduring talent and the enduring appeal of her style, both on and off the court.

Holger Rune's Short Shorts: A Nod to Tennis Fashion and a Mind TrickINDIAN WELLS, Calif. - Holger Rune has become a fashion icon on the tennis court, sporting short shorts reminiscent of the 1980s. The 20-year-old Dane believes his five-inch inseam Nike shorts not only look good but also give him an edge on the court."I think five inches is pretty good," Rune said at the BNP Paribas Open. "I don't know how long these are, but they're around five."Rune's shorts have drawn comparisons to those worn by tennis legend John McEnroe. The Dane joked that pulling them higher helped him shake off a missed overhead and secure a straight-sets victory over Lorenzo Musetti."Did you see 5-5 in the tiebreaker? That's why he missed the forehand. It's a small mind trick," Rune said.Rune's belief in the efficiency of his shorts extends beyond their appearance. "I'm not being selfish or anything. I just believe in my legs, not just the look, but on the court, I believe they're efficient," he said.Rune's next challenge will be against 2022 champion Taylor Fritz in the quarterfinals. The Dane will need to put his legs to the test against the American, who is known for his powerful serve and aggressive baseline play.Rune's short shorts have become a talking point in the tennis world, but the Dane remains focused on his performance. "I'm just trying to play my best tennis and win matches," he said. "The shorts are just a part of that."

Lacoste's Triumphant Return to Paris Fashion Week: A Tennis-Inspired ExtravaganzaFrench fashion icon Lacoste made a grand return to Paris Fashion Week, showcasing its latest collection at the hallowed grounds of Roland Garros' Court Philippe-Chatrier. The show marked a significant milestone for the brand, not only as its first appearance at the event in three years but also as a poignant homage to its tennis heritage.Under the creative direction of Pelagia Kolotouros, the collection exuded a vibrant palette of deep browns, rust oranges, and forest greens. Models glided across an elevated platform at mid-court, their attire adorned with subtle nods to the sport that has defined Lacoste's legacy.From a floor-length green trench coat reminiscent of a tennis ball to pleated skirts that would not look out of place on Chatrier's clay courts, Kolotouros seamlessly blended tennis aesthetics with contemporary fashion. Polo shirts and V-neck sweaters, once ubiquitous on-court attire, were reimagined with a fresh, modern touch.The collection also featured a vintage racquet bag, a playful accessory that evoked the brand's tennis roots. In a social media post, Lacoste declared that the collection "re-energizes the brand in the spirit of the young René Lacoste," the legendary tennis player who inspired the brand's iconic crocodile logo.Kolotouros's inspiration extended beyond the brand's history. She has previously cited Venus Williams as a "muse" and hailed Novak Djokovic's dominance as "inspiring." In an interview with Interview magazine, she praised Williams' embodiment of the brand's values and Djokovic's unwavering focus and stamina.The show was attended by a star-studded audience, including Emma Roberts, Adrien Brody, and Mel C. The collection received widespread acclaim, with Vogue noting its "elegant modernism" and its ability to "carve out a new path" for the brand.Lacoste's triumphant return to Paris Fashion Week was a testament to its enduring legacy and its ability to fuse its tennis heritage with contemporary fashion. The collection celebrated the brand's roots while embracing a fresh, modern aesthetic, ensuring its continued relevance in the ever-evolving world of fashion.