“My ideal look is a pair of baggy jeans, plain top, statement jacket and heels to lift the look,” she says. Her preference is for pieces from Australian labels Dion Lee and Maticevski, along with international stalwarts Alexander Wang and Prada.
Romanian player Sorana Cirstea is Tomljanovic’s pick for most stylish player on the circuit.
“We like to talk about fashion and I like the looks she posts to social media,” she says.
Tomljanovic’s next pick for an off-court piece will come from Loewe, with creative director Jonathan Anderson having designed the costumes for the upcoming film Challengers, set in the tennis world and starring Zendaya.“Something from Loewe is on my list for this year.”
Zendaya: How Hollywood serves looks
Movies set in the world of tennis have had mixed results. King Richard (2021) about the rise of Serena and Venus Williams was a winner while Wimbledon (2004) with Paul Bettany and Kirsten Dunst justifiably disappeared into obscurity.
The upcoming Challengers, directed by Call Me By Your Name’s Luca Guadagnino, starring The Crown’s Josh O’Connor and Zendaya should be a fashion winner with Jonathan Anderson designing the costumes.
Released images from the movie show Zendaya as tennis coach Tashi, looking crisp and cool in the stands.
At the US Open in 2022, Zendaya wore a black turtleneck jumper – an option too heavy for Melbourne summer days. Anderson has the right idea, dressing Tashi in light fabrics, with layered fine jewellery offering an opportunity for personal expression.
Nicole Kidman: The great cover-up
Since attending Wimbledon with ex-husband Tom Cruise in 1999, Oscar-winner Nicole Kidman has been a tennis tragic, turning up at the Australian Open, US Open and French Open.
Kidman’s approach combines style with sun protection, covering up with light layers and long sleeves. At the US Open in September, Kidman chose a soothing palette of pink and white, elevating her look with statement loafers and a handbag.
Her collared knit dress from Self-Portrait, with pockets on the chest, nodded to tennis styles but stretched into sophisticated territory with sleeves and a mid-calf silhouette.
An extra layer, such as a blazer, is perfect for Melbourne’s unpredictable weather, while hats offer even greater sun protection. Just remember, with tennis millinery smaller is better. Save wide-brims for the autumn carnival at Flemington racecourse.
Casper Ruud: Court dressing
Player outfits have always influenced spectator style. Wimbledon whites, René Lacoste’s polo-shirts and Andre Agassi’s aerobics-infused ’90s wardrobe all drifted into the stands.
Fortunately, Agassi’s acid wash shorts have been relegated to the realm of nostalgia, with today’s players offering a more nuanced approach.
Norwegian tennis player Casper Ruud experiments with colour and print in sportswear that suits gripping a tennis racquet or set of tongs at a summer barbecue.
Swap the sweatbands for elevated accessories, such as a canvas tote and choose cottons and linen instead of athletic fabrics. Unless you have a 240 km/hour serve it’s best to avoid tennis cosplay.
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