Tennis has always been a sport that combines athleticism with elegance and style. From the iconic all-white attire at Wimbledon to the vibrant colors seen on the courts of the US Open, fashion has played a major role in the world of tennis. One tournament that stands out in terms of fashion is the French Open, also known as Roland Garros. The clay courts of Paris have witnessed some of the most iconic fashion moments in the history of tennis. In this blog post, we will take a closer look at the history of fashion at the French Open, current trends on the clay courts, and the impact of fashion on the sport.
History of Fashion at the French Open
The French Open, one of the four Grand Slam tournaments in tennis, has been held annually since 1891. It was initially known as the French Championships and was open only to members of French clubs. In 1925, the tournament opened up to international players and became known as the French Open. However, it was not until the 1960s that fashion started playing a significant role at the French Open.
All-White Attire
In the early years of the French Open, players were required to wear all-white attire, similar to Wimbledon. This was a tradition carried over from the first tennis tournament held at Wimbledon in 1877. The all-white rule was strictly enforced, with players being asked to change their outfits if they did not comply. This tradition continued until the late 1960s when colorful clothing started making its way onto the clay courts of Roland Garros.
Yves Saint Laurent Revolutionizes Fashion
In 1969, fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent introduced his revolutionary white shorts for tennis players. This marked a turning point in the history of fashion at the French Open. The all-white rule was finally broken, and players were allowed to wear shorts instead of skirts. This not only gave players more freedom and comfort on the court but also opened the door for more fashion experimentation.
The Rise of Colorful Attire
In the 1970s and 1980s, colorful and bold outfits became the norm at the French Open. From Bjorn Borg’s iconic Fila shirt to Chris Evert’s bright yellow dress, the clay courts were no longer filled with just white clothing. Players started wearing a variety of colors, patterns, and even designs on their outfits. This was a significant change from the traditional all-white attire and added a new level of excitement to the tournament.
Current Fashion Trends on the Clay Courts
The French Open has always been known for its unique fashion trends, and this year is no different. As we enter into the 2021 edition of the tournament, let’s take a look at some of the current fashion trends on the clay courts of Roland Garros.
Pastel Colors
One of the most popular trends seen on the clay courts this year is pastel colors. From soft pinks to baby blues, players are embracing these light and delicate shades in their outfits. It provides a refreshing change from the usual vibrant and bold colors seen on other surfaces. Pastel colors not only add a touch of elegance and femininity to the court but also complement the red clay surface beautifully.
High-Waisted Shorts
Another trend that has been gaining popularity at the French Open is high-waisted shorts. This style, which was first introduced by Yves Saint Laurent in the late 1960s, has made a comeback on the clay courts. Many female players have been spotted sporting this look, including world number one Ashleigh Barty and defending champion Iga Swiatek. High-waisted shorts provide players with better coverage and support while also adding a touch of retro style to their outfits.
Matching Sets
Matching sets have become a staple on the clay courts of Roland Garros. From skirts and tops to shorts and shirts, players are opting for coordinated outfits this year. This trend not only adds a sense of unity to their look but also helps them stand out on the court. Many top players, including Serena Williams and Naomi Osaka, have been seen wearing matching sets at the French Open.
Bold Prints and Patterns
While pastel colors and high-waisted shorts may be popular trends, some players prefer to make a statement with bold prints and patterns. This year, we have seen players sporting animal prints, geometric designs, and even floral patterns on the clay courts. These eye-catching outfits not only add a pop of color to the tournament but also showcase the personality and style of the players.
Fashion Icons in Tennis
Over the years, there have been many fashion icons in the world of tennis who have left a lasting impact on the sport. Let’s take a look at some of the most influential and iconic figures in tennis fashion.
Suzanne Lenglen
Suzanne Lenglen, also known as La Divine, was a French tennis player who dominated the sport in the 1920s. She was not only known for her exceptional skills on the court but also for her unique fashion choices. Lenglen was one of the first players to experiment with fashion on the tennis court. She wore colorful and daring outfits, such as short-sleeved dresses and cloche hats, which were considered scandalous at the time. Lenglen’s fashion sense paved the way for future players to express themselves through their clothing.
Andre Agassi
Andre Agassi was known for his powerful groundstrokes and aggressive playing style on the court. But off the court, he was known for his unconventional fashion sense. Agassi often wore bright and loud outfits, including denim shorts and colorful headbands. His bold fashion choices not only made him stand out on the court but also inspired players to be more adventurous with their fashion.
Serena Williams
Serena Williams is undoubtedly one of the biggest fashion icons in tennis. She has been known to push boundaries and make a statement with her outfits at the French Open. From her black catsuit in 2018 to her tutu dress in 2019, Williams has always used fashion as a means of self-expression and empowerment. She has also been a strong advocate for body positivity and inclusivity in the sport, often designing her own outfits to cater to all body types.
Impact of Fashion on the Sport
Fashion has had a significant impact on the sport of tennis, especially at the French Open. It has not only changed the way players dress on the court but has also influenced the fans and spectators. Let’s take a look at some of the ways in which fashion has impacted the sport.
Increased Sponsorship
As fashion became more prominent at the French Open, many clothing brands started sponsoring top players. This not only helped the players financially but also gave them access to a wider range of stylish and innovative outfits. Today, players are often seen wearing clothing and accessories from their sponsors, making it an essential part of their on-court presence.
Fan Engagement
Fashion has also played a crucial role in engaging fans and spectators at the French Open. With players constantly experimenting with different looks and styles, fans have something new and exciting to look forward to each year. Some fans even dress up in similar outfits as their favorite players, adding to the overall experience and atmosphere of the tournament.
Influence on Street Style
The fashion trends seen on the clay courts of Roland Garros have often made their way into the mainstream fashion world. Many designers and fashion influencers draw inspiration from the clothing worn by players at the French Open, making it a trendsetter in the industry. From athleisure wear to high-waisted shorts, tennis fashion has influenced street style in many ways.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the French Open has always been a platform for players to showcase their skills and express themselves through fashion. From the all-white attire of the early years to the bold and colorful outfits seen on the clay courts today, fashion has played a pivotal role in the history of the tournament. As we enter into this year’s edition of the French Open, we can’t wait to see the new and exciting fashion trends that will be showcased on the courts of Roland Garros.
