US Open: Most iconic fashion moments over the years

The US Open is held every year at one of the most fashionable cities in the world, New York.

As there are no rules for the on-court dressing like Wimbledon, players bring out their best fashion looks in this showpiece event. Along with the very fashion-forward celebrities and fans, the tennis players—both men and women—serve up some very bold looks at the US Open. 

So, let’s take a look at the most unforgettable on-court fashion moments at the US Open over the years. 

Andre Agassi (1990)

Andre Agassi wasn’t just a great champion on court; he also liked to turn up in attractive gear, often shocking the fans with his sartorial choices.

This 1990 look with highlighter yellow sleeves and tights along with denim shorts was one of Agassi’s boldest looks ever. In addition to that, the mullet and bandana screamed early ’90s fashion like nothing else.

Serena Williams (2004)

Serena Williams has enthralled tennis fans over the years with her extraordinary performances on the court, but one of the best women’s tennis players of all time has also served up some interesting fashion looks over the course of her career.

A fashion icon in her own right, Williams’ 2004 US Open look was like no other. Wearing a studded Nike black tank top and a denim skirt on court, she merged the edgy ’80s look with sports apparel and made denim look cool on a tennis court. This look has certainly stayed in the collective memory of the tennis fandom.

Maria Sharapova (2006)

The Russian former World No. 1 was known not only for her aggressive baseline tennis but also for her stunning fashion looks. Her 2006 US Open black dress accessorised with a black bow clip and gold jewellery has to be her most iconic on-court fashion look to date.

Sharapova impressed the fans in Nike’s studded version of an LBD (little black dress) that not only looked glamorous on court but also proved lucky for her as she ended up winning the Grand Slam wearing the same outfit.

Bethanie Mattek-Sands (2007)

American player Bethanie Mattek-Sands has been known for her on-court fashion looks since forever and has divided the fans’ opinion on her tennis apparel. Her best fashion moment arrived at the 2006 US Open, when she appeared in an animal print one-piece dress and was applauded by many fashion enthusiasts for her bold choice.

Alexander Zverev (2017)

Alexander Zverev is one of the best players in men’s tennis without a doubt, but he is seldom appreciated for his fashion sense. The tall and lanky German once paid homage to the ’70s with an inspired look in a striped T-shirt with knee-high socks designed by Pharrell Williams for Adidas.

The outfit earned rave reviews from the fashion world and fans alike, though it didn’t please a select few. It also reminded everyone of tennis legend Björn Borg’s looks in the ’70s.

Maria Sharapova (2017)

The queen of on-court glam yet again delivered on the fashion front with a dazzling look in 2017 when she appeared in a Nike lacy black dress covered with Swarovski crystals along with leather detailing.

The dress was a collaboration between Nike and designer Riccardo Tisci. Sharapova brought Haute Couture sensibilities to the tennis court with this stunning dress and won major brownie points from the fashion world for her incredible fashion sense.

Also read: US Open 2024 Sponsors

Rafael Nadal (2019)

The former World No. 1 committed a fashion faux pas when he wore capri pants at the US Open back in 2004, which wasn’t appreciated by many on-lookers on the New York fashion scene.

However, Nadal redeemed himself with one of his best on-court looks in 2019 when he wore an all-black Nike ensemble with purple accents. He accessorised the look with purple headband and wristbands. The look not only gave him a fashionable edge but also proved lucky as he ended up taking home the US Open Men’s singles title that year.

Serena Williams (2022)

The 23-time Grand Slam winner bid a tearful farewell to the tennis world as she turned up in her fashionable best for the event. Williams amazed the fans in a black Nike dress with sheer long sleeves, crystal embellishments on the bodice, and a layered tutu skirt.

This glamorous dress not only affirmed her status as a fashion icon but also got etched in her fans’ memory as she bid adieu to professional tennis for good.  

Naomi Osaka (2024)

Multiple Grand Slam winner Naomi Osaka elevated her on-court fashion sense to exceptional levels with her stunning dress at the US Open this year—hands down, the best outfit ever to be worn at the event. 

Osaka wore a special Nike x Ambush brat green outfit covered in huge bows. The dress was designed by Yoon Ahn. Fans were not only treated to her fantastic tennis skills but also her beautiful outfit, which also featured little bows on her shoes. For the night games, she wore a similar outfit in black, which looked equally spectacular.