Ahead of her participation in the US Open 2026, 32-year-old tennis player Jessica Pegula discussed her personal fashion rituals and the evolving role of style in the sport, as reported by Yahoo Sports. Speaking to WWD, Pegula emphasized how accessories provide a sense of grounding on court, highlighting the growing significance of individual expression in tennis fashion.
The American player explained that small personal items, such as a necklace or a specific hairstyle, serve as a vital grounding mechanism when she steps onto a large stadium court by herself. This ritual helps her maintain a connection to her identity, she told WWD during a discussion about her Vital Proteins partnership, according to Yahoo Sports. Pegula underscored the importance of such details for athletes seeking to feel centered amidst the intense atmosphere of a major tournament.
Pegula further observed the significant evolution of tennis fashion, noting that it has developed into its own distinct category, often referred to as ‘the tennis look.’ She highlighted that players now have considerable freedom to personalize their attire, from their hair to their footwear, turning every element into a personal style statement. This emphasis on individuality, she believes, is what makes the sport and fashion complement each other effectively, allowing athletes to express their unique identity on court.
Tennis Style’s Enduring Influence on Mainstream Fashion
The connection between tennis and fashion is a long-established phenomenon, with the U.S. Open, set to begin on August 23 at Arthur Ashe Stadium, consistently showcasing significant style moments from both professional players and attendees, as detailed by WWD. The publication notes that tennis has always been a key summer fashion narrative, now entering its 145th year with a strong style profile.
In the 1970s, designers such as Calvin Klein were instrumental in transforming tennis wear into a deliberate fashion strategy. Klein’s summer 1976 and spring 1977 collections were particularly influential, adapting traditional tennis attire like jumper dresses, shorts, skorts, and T-shirts for broader off-court street style. This initiative demonstrated tennis’s viability as a brand-building category for fashion, WWD reported.
Other prominent Seventh Avenue designers who contributed to this trend included Halston, Ralph Lauren, and Billie Jean King, whose Head-endorsed collection debuted at Bloomingdale’s in 1973. This period marked a pivotal refresh for tennis fashion, establishing the groundwork for the contemporary multibillion-dollar athleisure market.
Global Resurgence and Expanding Fashion Horizon
Beyond individual player preferences, tennis is experiencing a significant fashion resurgence on a global scale, attracting a new generation of stars and enthusiasts alike, according to Sharp Magazine. Unlike many team sports that mandate uniforms, tennis offers players the freedom to wear distinct attire at each tournament, with dress codes varying from Wimbledon’s all-white tradition to the more casual atmosphere of the US Open. This flexibility has fostered a diverse and rich fashion history within the sport.
The sport’s international appeal, with ATP Tour events held in locations such as Monaco, Paris, and Australia, amplifies its influence on global fashion trends. This dynamic has led to a variety of styles, from the Ivy League-inspired looks associated with Arthur Ashe and Ralph Lauren, to the vintage aesthetics of Bjorn Borg and John McEnroe, and the 1990s streetwear championed by Andre Agassi. Contemporary innovations also abound, with brands like Hugo Boss outfitting players in chic designs and sportswear brands such as Wilson and Boast expanding their lifestyle offerings, as Sharp Magazine reports.
The sport’s escalating prominence in the fashion world is further evidenced by the engagement of high-fashion houses. Ralph Lauren maintains a consistent presence at major tournaments, and Louis Vuitton has introduced luxury tennis-inspired items, including a monogrammed racquet case, and even unprecedented co-branded automotive projects with Singer. This widespread integration into high fashion and sportswear markets provides an international audience with numerous ways to engage with tennis culture, from sophisticated courtside attire to casual, everyday interpretations of the sport’s distinctive aesthetic.
As the US Open 2026 approaches, the interplay between athletic performance and personal style, exemplified by players like Jessica Pegula, is expected to remain a significant narrative. The ongoing integration of tennis into high fashion and the evolving athleisure market suggest that the sport’s influence on global style will only continue to grow, offering rich ground for both athletic and sartorial expression.
Image: Sharp Magazine
Sources consulted
- Yahoo Sports: Jessica Pegula reveals surprising fashion ritual that helps her feel like herself on court
- WWD: How Calvin Klein’s 1976-77 Collections Inspired Off-court Tennis Style
- Sharp Magazine: Menswear Goes Down to the Tennis Court
Bruno Kadez is a sports writer focused on performance, competition, and athlete insights. He covers major sporting events, player analysis, and trending stories across leagues. His reporting captures both the data and the emotion behind the game.
