Australian Open court in fashion’s grip
Posted by Lucky on Jan 6, 2010
THE world’s best tennis players will serve it up to style-watchers as much as to their opponents when they step on court chasing Australian Open glory.
As the athletes fine-tune their bodies for the gruelling two-week tournament, which starts on January 18, labels and sponsors are preparing to unveil their head-turning outfits.
Glamorous Russian star Maria Sharapova will shimmer on Rod Laver Arena, accessorising her racquet and runners with a pair of Tiffany and Co earrings.
While Serbian stunner Ana Ivanovic has revealed the low-cut, bright yellow Adidas dress.
The tennis court has always doubled as a catwalk for the world’s hottest players, driven as much by the style-conscious stars themselves as their sponsors.
Before the modern-day babes came American Chris Evert, who played at the Open when it was held at Kooyong in the 1970s and ’80s, flashing frilly knickers.
Andre Agassi’s head through the eras – the boofy hair, later the shave, and the gangster-style handkerchief – and Aussie Pat Cash’s checkered headband, were fashion statements of their own.
Sisters Venus and Serena Williams have attracted as much attention for their fashion choices as their dominance of the competition.
With their fearless sense of style, from astronaut-inspired warm-up boots, beaded hair braids, and cleavage-exposing tops, the pair have never opted for boring whites.
Rafael Nadal’s knickerbockers and sleeveless vest have been a highlight of the men’s draw.
Roger Federer, a regular in the front row at couture fashion parades, sported a dapper gold-trimmed waistcoat and military trouser suit on-court at Wimbledon last year, sparking speculation as to what he will wear here.
The usually flawless Sharapova and several other female players made a rare blunder by wearing babydoll nightie-style dresses in 2006.
The queen of the stunners was Anna Kournikova – every time she stepped on court was a fashion moment, from her cascading blonde hair to her warm-up kit of bra and micro shorts.
source:http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/tennis/australian-open-court-in-fashions-grip/story-fn4oewqb-1225816388252
