Celebrity Style
From Serena Williams to Naomi Osaka.
Tennis outfits are trending both on and off the court. The sport’s chic unspoken uniform essentials — comprised of pleated minis, white polos, and the like — are re-emerging as everyday wear. With activewear continuing to have a hold on us all post-pandemic, it’s no surprise the sport with the cutest attire is garnering fans, regardless of whether or not they play.
Tennis attire gives a far more dressed-up vibe than sweatsuits, but these activewear essentials are often just as comfortable. Need inspiration for your wardrobe? Ditch the street style photo galleries and look instead to the most memorable US Open tennis outfits through the years, worn by icons like Naomi Osaka and Serena Williams.
In fact, their looks often prove that tennis outfits don’t have to consist of what one might consider the standard pieces. Over the years, these sports and style icons have hit the court in everything from tulle tutus to unitards, in unexpected materials like sheer lace, neon spandex, and more. Complementing the iconic blue and green courts were color-blocked hues, bright and bold patterns, and matching visors and onesies to boot.
With all this in mind, it’s high time to take a trip down memory lane to celebrate the best tennis outfits at the US Open of all time. Not only will this offer you a little bit of fashion eye candy, but it might just inspire your next activewear look, too.
Coco Gauff, 2022
Coco Gauff wore an ombré yellow cropped tank and an iridescent skirt for the 2022 US Open in sunny California. The 18-year old became the youngest player to qualify for the main draw in Wimbledon in 2019 — when she was only 16.
Naomi Osaka, 2021
In a bright lime green outfit similar to the color of a tennis ball, Osaka made a bold fashion statement on the court for her 2021 US Open look.
Madison Keys, 2021
Madison Keys wore a sunshine yellow dress with a surplice bodice for the 2021 championships, allowing for comfort and style.
Serena Williams, 2020
Serena Williams is a style icon on and off court. This tank top and flouncy skirt by Nike gave plenty of freedom for movement, and her bubble ponytail was the cherry on top. I love the pop of neon on her terry wrist sweatbands.
Venus Williams, 2017
In 2017, Venus Williams chose a patterned red, black, and gray mini dress with a matching visor that was bold enough to turn heads, but understated enough to keep the focus on her game.
Naomi Osaka, 2020
In 2020, one of Osaka’s best looks was a color-blocked unitard. Designed by Nike, the black, neon green, and purple piece was topped with a pair of black shorts and contrasted by pink-and-red candy-hued sneakers.
Bethanie Mattek-Sands, 2007
Known for sporting bold patterns and bright colors on the court, Mattek-Sands chose head-to-toe leopard print for the US Open in 2007.
Serena Williams, 2018
In 2018, Williams collaborated with Off-White and Nike to create a myriad of looks for the US Open. One of the most iconic looks was a one-shoulder top and a tutu skirt that felt like a modern take on classic tennis silhouettes.
Billie Jean King, 1977
The original icon behind female representation in tennis, Billie Jean King wore this white button-down collared dress with yellow buttons and yellow accents on the shoulders. Her socks even had a yellow pom pom on the back to match.
Naomi Osaka, 2019
Osaka’s orange-and-black tennis outfit is memorable not only for its appearance, but the meaning behind the design. She claimed the ensemble helped her feel connected to her heritage, since the brand (Sacai, in collaboration with Nike) is founded by a Japanese designer.
Serena Williams, 2004
In 2004, Williams wore an outfit that could easily double as inspo for your next date-night ‘fit. Though made of sporty materials that allowed for her to play like a pro, this denim mini skirt certainly had people talking about more than just her backhand.
Venus and Serena Williams, 1999
Even back in 1999, the Williams sisters loved a head-turning on-court look. Though their stretch mini tank dresses from Reebok are quite understated, Venus’s colorful beads and bright green hue certainly stole the spotlight.
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