The No Win Situation: The US Open
At the US Open, tennis has always been the competition. However, in recent years, the newest competition has evolved from scoreboards to on-court gear. From wardrobe malfunctions to unconventional pieces, the US Open has turned from a tennis tournament to a fashion competition.
One athlete who stood out in this year's US Open was Naomi Osaka, who arrived at the tournament in what critics are calling a “show-stopping entrance.” Upon walking onto the court, Naomi was seen in a hoodie, distressed with several headlines and photographs throughout her time as an athlete. The hoodie was also paired with a white tulle skirt, initially covering her basketball inspired on-court gear
“I said, OK, you want basketball? I’ll give you basketball,” Osaka proclaimed, in response to Nike’s Knicks inspired basketball theme for this year's season. She also noted in an interview that she wanted to pay tribute to Allen Iverson because of what he has “…done in fashion, whether it’s on purpose or not.”
Similarly, Carlos Alcatraz also wore a Nike uniform that sparked some controversy among viewers. His tank top, also inspired by basketball uniforms, had larger armholes that exposed parts of his chest that are traditionally covered.
During the following match, Alcatraz wore an undershirt to avoid more contention, but why was his fashion choice what stood out most at the game?
When we look at the English tennis tournament, Wimbledon, fashion and dress code are significantly more apparent and enforced. While both of these tournaments are steeped in tradition, they both approach player fashion and on-court gear in completely different ways.
Wimbledon is known for its strict all-white dress code. There is little room for creativity and expression, as opposed to the US Open, which often partners with several fashion and sportswear brands such as Ralph Lauren and Nike. The US Open markets fashion as part of its identity, while Wimbledon hardly allows room for color and creativity even on accessories and shoes. The royal family also attends this tournament traditionally, whereas the US Open is less high-profile and available to the public.
While it may seem as though Wimbledon is more restrictive, they simply embrace different fashion styles. Standardized materials, silhouettes, and tailoring that challenges Wimbledon players to find individuality in their own way, creating a sense of minimalism and quiet luxury. While the New York landscape embraces experimentalism and highly personalized looks.
Openness in sportswear can create a space for contradiction and criticism, rather than a safe environment for self-expression, as shown by Alcatraz and Osaka. How much freedom should athletes have when being able to individualize their looks on the court? Does fashion distract viewers and tennis lovers from what’s truly at stake, and how can these annual tournaments synchronize each other’s fashion scenes? When will the public view sportswear fashion as experimental, without jumping to criticism?
What’s your take on allowing tennis players to self-express on the court? Leave a comment below!