Trying again, the 2007-2017 interval stands out as a golden period of tennis style, with gamers like Maria Sharapova, Ana Ivanovic, and Serena Williams setting traits on the court docket. Their iconic outfits—from Sharapova’s customized Nike clothes to Ivanovic’s stylish Adidas ensembles and Serena’s daring Nike statements—stay etched within the reminiscences of tennis followers worldwide. Quick ahead to 2025, and 24-year-old Destanee Aiava is bringing this trendy nostalgia again to life in a rare method on the Australian Open.
Destanee Aiava on the 2025 Australian Open, carrying a classic Adidas costume debuted by Ana Ivanovic in 2010. Picture by Jimmie48.
The Australian participant, who has fought her method by means of three rounds of qualifying to safe a spot in the primary draw, has turned heads along with her distinctive alternative of apparel. The world No. 165 reworked the truth that she doesn’t have a clothes sponsor right into a constructive circumstance, as her distinctive alternative of iconic clothes from the previous permits her to face out in a sea of recent, typically uniform designs.
Enjoyable archival style second:
Destinee Aiava is carrying the identical pink Nike costume design for her 2025 #AusOpen qualies match that Maria Sharapova wore method again on the 2012 US Open. pic.twitter.com/iWMr5GQ8M6
In her first qualifying match in opposition to Ana Bogdan, Aiava made an announcement carrying the sunshine pink Nike costume Sharapova famously wore on the 2012 US Open. Within the second spherical of qualifying, she paid homage to Ana Ivanovic, sporting the daring pink Adidas costume the Serbian star sported on the 2010 US Open (proven beneath, photographs by Neal Trousdale).
Enjoying in opposition to Eva Lys within the last spherical of qualifying, Aiava sealed her spot in the primary draw whereas carrying yet one more Ivanovic traditional—a placing purple costume with an asymmetrical neckline and dropped waist, first seen on the 2009 Australian Open.
The Aussie obtained the higher of her German opponent 6-1 2-6 6-4#AO2025 pic.twitter.com/zJGIUkZklg
When requested about her wardrobe decisions, Aiava shared her motivation:
“I just loved what they wore,” she stated, referring to Sharapova, Ivanovic, and Serena Williams. “I think some of the stuff that is being designed today is quite ugly. I just like to wear what I think looks good. I don’t like wearing the same thing as everyone else.”
When requested about her outfit for the upcoming first-round match in opposition to Greet Minnen within the Australian Open foremost draw, Aiava revealed: “I found one on Facebook yesterday before my match. I might go pick that up. It’s only $35, which is a steal.”
Maria Sharapova’s US Open 2012 clothes
Her artistic strategy to tennis style has drawn reward from followers and commentators alike, lots of whom recognize her capacity to carry again the class and individuality of previous eras. Aiava, who aspires to pursue a level in style design, admits she didn’t anticipate her clothes decisions to make waves:
“I didn’t really think it would make any impact at all, me wearing the dresses. But I’m glad I did. Yeah, it’s been fun bringing them back.” (supply: BBC)
