Bethanie Mattek-Sands wears outfit worthy of any Australian Open

PURPLE hair and bejewelled sweatbands - we're definitely not at Wimbledon. This player is pushing boundaries, and she's not alone.

Bethanie Mattek-Sands's hair during her first round match against Maria S...

WIMBLEDON is known for its tradition; the French Open for its physical demand; and the Australian Open is fast becoming known for its acceptance of wacky on-court fashion.

It started in 1999 with Venus Williams losing her hair beads mid-game, and culminated in America's Bethanie Mattek-Sands last night.

The American took to the court to play against Maria Sharapova sporting bejewelled sweatbands, striped shorts under a multicoloured skirt, and her trademark knee-high socks in temperatures approaching 40 C.

We're definitely not at Wimbledon anymore.

Mattek-Sands lost last night's match against Maria Sharapova 6-3 6-4.

After having to cover her then-green hair with a cap at Wimbledon and playing it safe with a blonde ponytail at the French Open last year, Mattek-Sands proudly showcased her purple hair for 2014's Australian Open.

Maybe it's cos I live in Newtown but I don't really mind what Bethanie Mattek-Sands is wearing. #AusOpen

— Adrian Shuter (@AdrianShuter) January 14, 2014

@emilyyedselll Watching Aussie Open tennis re-air on ESPN2.Bethanie Mattek-Sands is wildest tennis player fashionwise I've seen!

— Scott Hable (@sctthbl) January 14, 2014

Bethanie Mattek-Sands is indeed the Lady Gaga of tennis lol @AustralianOpen ...

— Mahelino (@McMahel) January 14, 2014

Mattek-Sands has been known to wear everything from a tennis ball jacket to a straw hat while playing. She has had dresses designed especially for her by Alex Noble, one of Lady Gaga's designers, and rumours are rife that her sweatbands and headbands are being turned into a fashion line.

"It's funny, because my fashion kind of goes with my moods," the 27-year-old says on her website. "I do spur of the moment things and I might not do spur of the moment things. It's all really random."

Given Mattek-Sands's track record, you could be forgiven for thinking that she's the only one pushing the fashion boundaries wherever she goes. But a quick glance and the other players' on-court choices this year proves that she is far from alone.

The Australian Open is developing into a place where fashion meets function, and players are given a chance to experiment a little more.

Victoria Azarenka has already been spotted in top to toe shades of pink, and Denmark's Caroline Wozniacki wore a pleated, floral dress worthy of a summer picnic.

Azarenka (l) and Wozniacki at this year's Australian Open. Pictures: AFP

Venus Williams debuted a self-designed zebra print number, which is short, tight, and happens to have a matching practice outfit.

Venus Williams in practice (l) and during her match against Ekaterina Makarova on Jan. 13, 2014.

And while we're not too sure about the knee length boardshort-style bottoms many of the men are wearing, (we're looking at you, Novak), Slovakia's Lukas Lacko has upped the fashion stakes for the men in coordinated neon orange and purple.

Lukas Lacko of Slovakia plays a backhand in his first round match against Novak Djokovic of Serbia during day one of the 2014 Australian Open.

If you're still not convinced about the Open's fashion prowess, take a look at Roger Federer. The tennis great has been seen in tailored blazers and gold hemmed cardigans at Wimbledon, but last year shocked onlookers when he rocked up to Day Four of the Open wearing pink-laced shoes.

Even the Feds is in on it. Pictures: AFP/Getty

Maybe it's because of our climate, or perhaps it's our reputation for being laid back. Some commentators blame our lack of "Australian Open fashion police". But whatever the reason, as long as she's in Australia, Bethanie Mattek-Sands and her moustache headbands are no longer completely alone.

If you want to catch up on the match, click here

What do you think about Mattek-Sands and the Australian Open's fashion stakes? Tell us below.