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Best and worst of the 2019 Australian Open playing kits

Serena Williams has done it again. The 23-time grand slam champion has stunned the world with her on-court look at the Australian Open, wearing an emerald green playsuit that she has named after herself.

2 min read
January 15, 2019 - 12:25PM
Interesting look from Bethanie Mattek-Sands. Picture: Getty
Interesting look from Bethanie Mattek-Sands. Picture: Getty

Serena Williams has done it again. The 23-time grand slam champion has stunned the world with her on-court look at the Australian Open, wearing an emerald green playsuit that she has named after herself.

The new mum, returning to Melbourne for the first time since giving birth to daughter Alexis Olympia, took to the court in a long black jacket to conceal her playing kit.

But all was revealed as she stepped on the court to strike her first ball of the tournament.

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Serena Williams in her green jumpsuit. Picture: Getty
Serena Williams in her green jumpsuit. Picture: Getty
Serena Williams in action.
Serena Williams in action.

The outfit, paired with black Nike runners, featured a small cut-out on her lower back.

Asked about her design in her post-victory press conference, Williams said: "It's a Serena-tard.

"Well, we design really far in advance at Nike. 

"Nike always wants to make an incredibly strong, powerful statement for mums that are trying to get back and get fit. That was basically it for me.

Williams is also wearing transparent fishnet stockings - which she also wore at the US Open.

The champion has previously battled with blood clots and revealed at Wimbledon, when she wore skin-coloured stockings on-court, she required them for a medical condition.

Wearing a t-shirt sporting the phrase "Until We All Win" when speaking to the media, Williams explained it as a message of unity for all.

"I just think it means -- well, obviously it's something that I have been working on closely with Nike, and working on different ideas, until we can all win, not just have one person or one look or one style or one gender. It's just across the board until we all win."

Williams’ Australian Open look continues a long list of stunning fashion statement made by the American, who famously wore a black catsuit at the French Open last year - which was then later banned - as a tute at the US Open last year.

Williams wasn’t the only player to make a fashion statement, either.

Fellow American Bethanie Mattek-Sands is known for her wild fashion sense both on and off the court and she hasn’t disappointed at this year’s Australian Open.

Mattek-Sands took to Court 8 to face Australian wildcard Zoe Hives in a light pink sheer t-shirt with random floral patterns spread across it, while she also sported a ruffled black floral skirt.

Interesting look from Bethanie Mattek-Sands. Picture: Getty
Interesting look from Bethanie Mattek-Sands. Picture: Getty
Sloane Stephens was full of colour. Picture: David Gray
Sloane Stephens was full of colour. Picture: David Gray
Australia's Kimberly Birrell went with a pink touch. Picture: Mark Stewart
Australia's Kimberly Birrell went with a pink touch. Picture: Mark Stewart

She paired the look with a hot pink cap to shield her from the scorching Melbourne sun and black knee-high socks.

It didn’t take long for her on-court look to gather some attention.

The kit didn’t help her on-court form, however, losing the match to the Aussie wildcard 1-6 2-6.

Maria Sharapova’s light blue Nike dress also caught the eye.

The No.30 seed was on court for just over an hour in her 6-0 6-0 opening round victory in the kit that some described as “washed denim”.

While some didn’t like the dress, others were quick to compliment Sharapova on her look.

Maria Sharapova’s blue dress.
Maria Sharapova’s blue dress.

On the men’s side, “sleeveless Rafa” is back.

The No.2 seed got his campaign underway against Aussie James Duckworth on Rod Laver Arena in a tank top and short white shorts.

His kit for the first grand slam of the year was met with much fanfare.

Sleeveless Rafa in the house at the Australian Open.
Sleeveless Rafa in the house at the Australian Open.

Originally published as Best and worst of the 2019 Australian Open playing kits

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Original URL: https://www.couriermail.com.au/sport/tennis/the-best-and-worst-of-the-2019-australian-open-playing-kits/news-story/ce581157d1cb832443d5337d4b119376