Tennis Canada

The Thrills and Frills of Women’s Tennis make for an Eye Catching Spectacle

The ladies of the Sony Ericsson WTA Tour are known for their exceptional skill and unmistakable competitive desire, but these days, the playing surfaces they contend on have become more like fashion runways than tennis courts.

From Serena Williams’ black ’catsuit’ to Anna Kournikova’s midriff bearing tops, it seems that hemlines, not baselines are attracting all the attention.     

Even at a highly traditional event like the recently completed Wimbledon where a strict dress code stresses all-white attire, clothing manufacturers continue to push the envelope. During this year’s fortnight, photographers flocked to snap a shot of Sharapova’s swan-like outfit and Tatiana Golovin caused quite a stir when she sported red knickers on the grass courts of the All England Club.

For many of the most clothing conscious players, there are few post-match conferences that don’t include a question about what they wear. Following her first round victory at Wimbledon, Sharapova was asked by one reporter about her favourite clothing choices. “I'd probably say the black dress I wore at the US Open last year has to be one of my favorites just 'cause it was well, I won in it, and it was very beautiful. The whole idea behind it, you know, Breakfast at Tiffany's, everything came together. It was like a perfect solution,” she commented.

To exemplify just how important fashion has become in the women’s game, designers submit their creations to tournament directors for approval six months in advance. They also debut particular ensembles during Grand Slam events in order to generate additional media attention and fan buzz. Most often, outfits are designed based on players’ own creative intuitions.

The barrier-breaking Williams sisters are credited with setting an accessorizing trend that has transcended the game over the past decade. Visors, bandanas, hair beads, carat gold earrings, diamond bracelets and go-go boots have all been used by the dynamic duo to accentuate their on-court look, with the next generation of players seemingly following suit. Ana Ivanovic, Nicole Vaidisova and Maria Kirilenko are among the Tour’s young stars who have made a splash on the fashion side of tennis, turning heads with their unique selections.

Player tennis attire has become in some way, a reflection of their personalities and allows them to acquire a certain on-court persona which is complimented by their style of play. This phenomenon gives women’s tennis a new dimension that adds to the game’s entertainment value and appeal.

It seems only fitting then that ‘Victorious and Vogue’ is the theme of this summer’s Rogers Cup presented by American Express, where fierce competition will meet fierce style with the world’s elite players showcasing their talents, all while putting on the ultimate nine day tennis fashion show. 

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