Tennis has long been a sport steeped in tradition – elegant, elite, and governed by an unspoken rulebook of etiquette that extends from the grass courts to the grandstand, with dress codes often leaning conservative. In the stands, celebrities arrive dressed to impress, echoing the sport’s polished attire with designer sunglasses, linen suiting, and tonal ensembles fit for a royal box. But despite all that glamour courtside, it’s the players in motion who steal the spotlight, with a flick of a hemline, a bold silhouette, or an unexpected texture.

For many players, these choices go beyond style. Some dress to make a statement, some to honour their roots, and others to simply feel like the most confident version of themselves. These quiet acts of rebellion have birthed some of the most memorable style moments in sports. Let’s step onto the court and revisit the standout looks that rewrote the rules of tennis attire.

Gussie Moran, Wimbledon 1949

In 1949, Gussie Moran shocked the conservative tennis world at Wimbledon, pairing her pleated skirt with lace-trimmed knickers.

Lea Pericoli, Wimbledon

In the early 1960s, Italian tennis star Lea Pericoli turned heads at Wimbledon, pairing her powerful game with unmistakable feminine flair. She stepped onto the court in a white mini dress adorned with ruffles and a dainty rose trim.

Chris Evert, US Open 1971

At just 16 years old, Chris (Chrissie) Evert announced her arrival on the Grand Slam stage at the 1971 U.S. Open, stunning audiences in a standout white lace mini‑dress that was both feminine and groundbreaking.

Andre Agassi, U.S. Open 1988

Agassi electrified the US Open, showing up on the court in acid-wash denim shorts from Nike.

 Venus Williams, French Open 2010

Venus designed this striking EleVen by Venus dress for the 2010 French Open. The piece featured a black lace overlay, carefully constructed to evoke a corset with red piping, a fitted bodice, and a flouncy tutu‑style skirt.

Camila Giorgi,  Wimbledon 2015

Camila Giorgi’s love for lace detail in her tennis kit is no secret. For Wimbledon 2015, the tennis star wore an all‑white lace dress, featuring a sheer, floral-lace layering complemented by a flared skirt.

Maria Sharapova, US Open 2017

Sharapova dazzled in a sparkling black tennis dress and matching bomber jacket by Riccardo Tisci for Nike at the US Open.

Serena Williams, French Open 2018  

At her much-anticipated comeback at the 2018 French Open, Serena Williams made headlines in a striking black Nike catsuit.

Naomi Osaka, US Open 2024

Naomi Osaka’s fierce determination was perfectly mirrored in her Ambush x Nike ensemble, complete with a statement bow – cementing it as a defining look of the US Open 2024.

Marta Kostyuk, Wimbledon 2024

Inspired by Kostyuk’s wedding gown, “The Marta Mini Dress”  featured a deep V-neck, an open back, and a removable button-up top layer.

Lorenzo Musetti, Wimbledon 2025

Lorenzo Musetti, the newest global ambassador for Bottega Veneta, made a statement with his appearance wearing a white intrecciato leather bomber jacket from the brand at Wimbledon.