Gave to talk: Frances Tiafoe’s outfit at the US Open. (Image: Getty Images)
Modish Outfits
For a new generation of players, expressing themselves stylishly on the pitch is becoming more and more important. You know: This is how you attract attention and win fans – even without a place on the podium.
When athletes stand out more for their fashion than for their athletic appearance, that may not always be in their best interests, but it’s not necessarily a bad thing. Frances Tiafoe, rising American tennis star, is a good example. He was knocked out in the third round at the Australian Open at the end of January, but made a name for himself with his look: a tank top and shorts ensemble in the same, slightly wobbly-looking wavy pattern in an eclectic color combination of lilac, orange, and teal lime yellow.
Frances Tiafoe in an eclectic sports outfit by sponsor Nike. (Image: Getty Images)
The outfit, which was provided by Tiafoe’s sponsor Nike and worn on the pitch, was the subject of a Twitter video taken by his girlfriend Ayan Broomfield the day after the game. “I absolutely love it about him so I take the blame for it,” she captioned the post with a wink. Not all onlookers were as enthusiastic as Broomfield, but the bright uniform suited Tiafoe, a good-humoured 25-year-old who’s a joker, smiles brightly in almost every photo and has front row seats at a Tom Ford fashion show sat.
soo shocked that y’all don’t like the fit! we literally had a fashion show to see which kit looked the best last night and I absolutely loved it on him..so y’all can blame me 😂 @FTiafoe also the Japanese cherry blossom shoes are beautiful @naomiosaka @Nikecourt @AustralianOpen pic.twitter.com/Q9PntIfhPr
— ayan broomfield (@AyanBroomfield) January 16, 2023
Fashion and tennis have always been closely linked
Tiafoe represents a new generation of tennis players and this is reflected in the fashion on the court. Athletes in this discipline have always understood what it means to look good: tennis uniforms are inherently elegant in their own right, the classic combination of white polo shirt and matching trousers has been timeless ever since the tennis players and fashion designers René Lacoste and Fred Perry created the iconic top established as player favourites. Roger Federer is still considered a male style role model, whether on the pitch or the red carpet, where he wears slim suits or tight-fitting turtlenecks. Through cooperation with the Japanese fashion chain Uniqlo, he made his sportswear available to his fans. Anna Wintour, editor-in-chief of US Vogue, is a close friend.
In order to score points today, however, tennis men no longer have to limit themselves to the elegant simplicity of the Federer look. Both Tiafoe and other players attracted attention at last September’s US Open wearing two-tone short-sleeved zip-neck shirts, also made by Nike.
Not everyone liked that either, but Tiafoe and his colleagues Jannik Sinner or Karen Chatschanow (all were kitted out by Nike) expressed their openness to unusual sportswear, new ideas and, above all, color on the pitch. The current world number one, Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz, often plays in colorful outfits and has also sported an all-pink ensemble.
The current world number 1 Carlos Alcaraz 2021 in Madrid. (Image: Getty Images)
Experiment with colors and cuts
In doing so, they imitate athletes in other disciplines, where an extravagant taste has become a matter of course. For example, racing driver Lewis Hamilton or basketball player Jayson Tatum has it. Such stars live out their passion for fashion in private life or at events, at work they are often tied to the uniforms, colors and symbols of their teams. Tennis players, on the other hand, play on their own and can experiment with colors and cuts as long as they stay loyal to their sponsors.
This has already led to dubious fashion decisions. Rafael Nadal caused a stir in 2005 when he showed up to a game in capris. And Andre Agassi showed up on the pitch in tight denim shorts in the 1980s. How fashion looks on the pitch and how images of every game are later seen and commented on by millions of people influence the choice of clothing today more than ever before.
Modern tennis stars know exactly: what they wear can determine their image, sponsorship contracts and popularity just as much as their athletic performance. This encourages more bold decisions – which, when in doubt, only makes a game more entertaining.
