The tennis court has become a runway, and the players are the models. In a sport traditionally associated with all-white attire and a focus on the game, a new trend is emerging: the 'walk-on fit'. These are the outfits that players don’t just wear to play, but to make a statement, to intimidate their opponents, and to showcase their brand. It’s a fascinating development that is changing the way we perceive tennis, and the athletes who grace its courts.
Naomi Osaka, the Japanese tennis star, has been at the forefront of this trend. Her outfits, designed by Hana Yagi, are inspired by Japan’s ceremonial dress and Quentin Tarantino’s Kill Bill. The first one, in particular, was so high-fashion that it debuted on Vogue before it was seen on the tennis court. Osaka’s bold and experimental designs have made her a trendsetter, and she’s not alone. Frances Tiafoe surprised everyone by dramatically ripping off his trousers to reveal the shorts underneath, and Coco Gauff has collaborated with New Balance and Miu Miu, the favorite designer brand of Gen Z.
These walk-on fits are more than just fashion statements. They are a way for players to express their individuality and to intimidate their opponents. Sunita Kumar Nair, the author of Ace: The Times & Style of Tennis, thinks these looks “can obviously intimidate the opponent… when you look to nature, animals tend to enlarge their bodies, or their colouring or their feathers in order to steer off any kind of predator”. Claire-Marie Roberts, a sports psychologist, agrees, saying that wearing an outfit like this will improve self-confidence and boost performance.
However, not all players are fully onboard with this trend. Laura Siegemund, Osaka’s opponent at the French Open, was not impressed by her outfit, saying “I’m not here for a fashion show”. Taylor Fritz, on the other hand, wore all-white tailoring to Wimbledon, suggested by his sponsor, Boss. While he won his match, he expressed relief, saying “You show up in a full outfit and get snipped in the first round, you kind of look stupid”.
The walk-on fit is a fascinating development in tennis, and it’s one that is here to stay. As Roberts says, “Yes, and as my mum used to say, imitation is the highest form of flattery”. The tennis court is no longer just about the game, but also about the fashion, and the athletes who grace it are becoming brands in their own right. It’s a trend that is changing the way we perceive tennis, and the athletes who play it.
In my opinion, this trend is a reflection of the changing times. Sports stars are no longer just athletes, but also influencers and brands. They are becoming role models for future generations, and their walk-on fits are a way for them to express their individuality and to make a statement. It’s a powerful way for them to communicate who they are, and it’s one that will continue to evolve and change the way we perceive tennis and the athletes who play it.
