WIMBLEDON FASHION HITS AND MISSES: COCO GAUFF, NOVAK DJOKOVIC, MARTA KOSTYUK STAR AT SW19
No sporting event in the world has a dress code as famous as Wimbledon.
The all-white rule that has been in place at the All England Club ever since the Championships began in 1877 is truly iconic and stands out more than ever – with no other tennis events holding such a requirement.
The strict code makes it difficult for players to personalise too much but there have been some memorable looks over the years – and once again this year.
We look at some of the biggest hits and misses in the 2024 Wimbledon fashion stakes.
Coco Gauff – Hit
One of the leading contenders for a first Wimbledon title this fortnight, world No 2 Gauff has often spoken glowingly about one of her tennis idols: Serena Williams.
And the second seed is paying tribute to the seven-time SW19 champion with a Serena-inspired look at the tournament in 2024.
The 20-year-old is wearing a dress similar to the one that Serena wore during her run to the final in 2019 and has also dyed parts of her hair blonde, just as the 23-time major champion did two decades ago.
It is a striking look – and one that makes Gauff a big winner in the fashion stakes.
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Naomi Osaka – Miss
Making her first Wimbledon appearance in five years, tennis icon Osaka was always going to attract attention at the All England Club this fortnight.
And, in a dramatic opening win against Diane Parry, the former world No 1 did that in more ways than one.
The former world No 1 wore a ruffled layered skirt, but her outfit also featured ruffles on her top as well out on Court 2.
It is certainly a bold look, but one that looks a little strange – and just misses the mark.
Marta Kostyuk – Hit
Ukrainian star Kostyuk was among the most stylish players at Roland Garros a few weeks back, and the 18th seed is again a big winner in the fashion stakes at the All England Club.
The all-white rule is difficult to personalise but Kostyuk has channeled her own wedding dress with her SW19 outfit this summer.
Wilson – who also designed her wedding dress – have again exceeded any expectations by making the 22-year-old one of the best-dressed players at the tournament this year.
Iga Swiatek – Miss
It was a business-like performance from the world No 1 and top seed in the opening round, with Swiatek fending off Sofia Kenin in straight sets to make it 20 matches in a row.
At Roland Garros, where she won the title, Swiatek and other On athletes – such as Ben Shelton – wore one of the most striking outfits, with a blurred multicolour ensemble proving to be a big hit.
However, there is little that stands out about the Pole’s Wimbledon outfit.
All-white does not make it easy, but On have certainly put little effort into Swiatek’s kit; she deserves to wear something with a little more personality.
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Novak Djokovic – Hit
There is not much that men’s singles players can do to make their SW19 kits more interesting, but Lacoste and Djokovic have again delivered.
The Serb looked incredibly stylish as he made his 2024 tournament debut out on Centre Court on Tuesday, with a collared ensemble throwing back to old-school Wimbledon outfits.
Djokovic’s grey knee brace certainly added something to his look, but the world No 2 looked sublime even without taking that into account.
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