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The Evolution of Tennis Fashion

To celebrate the start of the French Open, we round up the smash hit style moments on centre court
A tennis player in mid-air motion, serving on a grass court, dressed in orange and white.

1930: Carolyn Babcock and Joan Ridley

1930s
For better mobility, girls cut off the long hemlines and silhouettes became more feminine and tailored, pleats were added.

A woman playing tennis in vintage attire, caught mid-action on a grass court, holding a racquet.

1936: Helen Jacobs

1936

Helen Jacobs was shocking for the time introducing shorts into women’s sport.

A tennis player in a white outfit hits a forehand shot on a grass court.

1951: Althea Gibson U.S

1950s

A feminine touch to male sportswear, Althea rejects the traditional skirt for a more flexible outfit.

1951: Model wearing a tennis outfit designed by Teddy Tinling

1950s

Saw the return to ladylike elegance with cinched waists and crisp white dresses. 

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A female tennis player in mid-serve on a grass court, with an audience watching in the background.

1960: Maria Bueno of Brazil

1960s
We love the sleek pleats in this mini. 

A tennis player in mid-air motion, serving on a grass court, dressed in orange and white.

1962: Maria Bueno of Brazil

Our favourite 1960s look. The lacy bloomers under the pleated skirt with a demure buttoned up cardigan. 

Female tennis player serving at a tournament, wearing a white outfit. Spectators watch in the background.

1970: Evon Crawley

1970s

Outfits got tighter and skirts got shorter, this was the era of cute patterns and exaggerated collars. 

Tennis player in white dress swinging racket on outdoor court with dark backdrop and spectators in background.

1977: Virginia Wade

1970s

We love the frills and the chic elegance of this gorgeous Virginia Wade dress.

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1978: Tracy Austin

1970s

The cutest dress seen in tennis, Tracy Austin knew how to rock pigtails and pink. 

1980: Tracy Austin

1980s

Fun Fact: the bright yellow tennis ball was adopted so that it could be more easily spotted in televised matches. The decision had an impact on wardrobe as well, as players opted for more outrageous sporting frocks.

1980: Chris Evert Lloyd of U.S

1980s

A palette of pastels on the court, Chris Every Lloyd looks stylish in stripes. 

Female tennis player in white and pink outfit celebrates on a clay court, holding a tennis racket.

1990: Monica Seles of Yugoslavia

1990s

Saw the change to brighter the better, going from pastel to bright neon. A girl who is ready to smash it. 

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Smiling tennis player on clay court in floral outfit, holding a racket, audience in background.

1995: Steffi Graf of Germany

1990s

Funky patterns and baggy shirts, the 90s was all about comfortable fashion.

Tennis player in action, wearing a green outfit and white beaded braids, focused on returning a shot.

1999: Venus Williams

1990s

This diva rocking the bright fluro green on the court. 

2002: Anna Kournikova of Russia

2000s
Anna Kournikova became known for what she would wear on the court. And damn right she should, she looks fantastic. 

A tennis player celebrates with arms raised on a court, wearing a black outfit and pink headband.

2002: Serena Williams

2000s

The William sisters ushered in an era of outlandish outfits that demanded attention on the court. 

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A tennis player in a white lace-up dress holds a racket, preparing to serve at Wimbledon.

2003: Venus Williams

2000s

We love this chic look, tennis or fashion queen – we say both!

Tennis player wearing a black and red lace outfit, holding a racket, with mouth open, appearing to shout on the court.

2010: Venus Williams

2010s

Bringing the bedroom to the court. Go girl for rocking the most controversial tennis dress of all time. 

Tennis player in a red and black outfit holding a racket, smiling on a tennis court.

2011: Serena Williams

2010s

Tight, bright, and dazzled with jewelry. This champion is refining sexy and strong. 

Tennis player in leopard print outfit hitting a backhand shot on the court.

2014: Serena Williams

2010s

Sexy in leopard print. The winner of 21 grand slams and two-time Vogue cover girl has redefined both what a tennis player looks like, and what a best-dressed-lister looks like.

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