Some of the most riveting–and longest–matches in tennis history were played in Arthur Ashe Stadium this year, making the 2022 US Open one of the most thrilling ever. While the competition was fierce, we also loved the many fun, colorful and creative looks that the players wore–and in some cases designed. From Karolina Pliskova’s feminine and flirty pink and red tennis dress to Coco Gauff’s inventive take on a tennis sneaker, here are the style highlights from our favorite Grand Slam tournament.
Serena Williams
Serena has always been known as much for her game as her cutting edge style. From the white trench she wore at Wimbledon in 2008 to the catsuit at the French Open in 2018 that caused officials to administer a catsuit ban–we have always loved her bold and creative take on tennis wear. For her last tennis match of her career, she worked with Nike to create a custom sparkling black tennis dress with sheer sleeves that was filled with hidden meaning. The crystal-encrusted top evoked the night sky above Arthur Ashe Stadium and the skater skirt was made of six layers to represent her six previous US Open wins. Her custom-created NikeCourt Flare 2 boasted 400 diamonds and solid gold deubrés reading QUEEN and MAMA, created in collaboration with Serena’s own jewelry line. Of course, in true Serena-style, she made a grand entrance wearing one of her fashion favorites–a cape that was also crystal-embellished and Swarovski crystals in her hair. Not to be outdone by her mama, Serena’s daughter, Olympia Ohanian, was outfitted in a matching look and wore white beads in her hair reminiscent of Serena’s hairstyle the first time she won the US Open in 1999.
Coco Gauff
Coco fever was at an all time high at the Open this year, with everyone rooting for the engaging American competitor. Coco came to the Open ready to win. She also debuted her Coco CG1 shoe that she designed with New Balance. It is a new take on a tennis sneaker, with a higher cut that takes inspiration from basketball shoes and street style. Coco shares the L’Etoile Sport style philosophy that well-designed activewear should also be worn off the court and designed her colorful shoes with that in mind.
Venus Williams
All eyes at the Open were on the Williams sisters' last ever doubles match as partners. Venus was a vision in green wearing separates from her EleVen by Venus Williams line of athletic wear. While it wasn’t the match that so many were hoping for, we loved seeing the sisters together in action. We were incredibly moved by Serena’s final speech where she acknowledged her older sister’s contribution to her career “Without Venus, there would be no Serena Williams.”
Naomi Osaka
We have always been in awe of Naomi’s individual style and strong game. We’re fans of a great tennis dress–one easy piece that keeps everything simple and is easy to move in. A tennis dress in a pretty hue–even better. Naomi’s lavender dress by Nike exemplified how even a softer hue can make a big impact on the court.
Karolina Pliskova
The Czech tennis sensation made it to the quarter finals at the US Open this year and her style game was equally strong. Our favorite look was the Fila x Brandon Maxwell bold pink and red tennis dress featuring cut-outs and pleats. The former Number 1 ranked tennis player looks poised to make waves this year. We can’t wait to see her at the next tournament.