Venus Williams: Timeless Style on and off the Court

Venus Williams and Leylah Fernandez US Open exit

Venus Williams proves she's still a force to be reckoned with on the court and a style icon off it, making waves at the US Open.

A breathless account of her on-court fashions followed, from Vogue to InStyle, more than a quarter-century after she and sister Serena changed tennis' fashion game, a testament to her enduring influence...

Venus Williams, 45, and her doubles partner Leylah Fernandez were eliminated from the US Open women's doubles quarterfinals by top seeds Katerina Siniakova and Taylor Townsend. Despite their 6-1, 6-2 loss, Williams stole the show with her stylish outfits, showcasing her enduring influence on tennis fashion.

The top seeds move on!

Siniakova and Townsend defeat Williams and Fernandez 6-1, 6-2 in a packed Louis Armstrong Stadium. pic.twitter.com/b8M1EfM5pr

— US Open Tennis (@usopen) September 2, 2025

Age-Defying Performance

This year's US Open marked a remarkable return for Williams, who became the oldest WTA singles match winner since 2004 in July. Her matches across women's singles, doubles, and mixed doubles were highly anticipated, drawing large audiences to Flushing Meadows. Williams' age-defying performance has been a highlight of the tournament.

Taylor Townsend with all the respect for Venus Williams 💙 pic.twitter.com/f4EkmW17yB

— US Open Tennis (@usopen) September 2, 2025

Fashion Icon

Williams' fashion sense continues to inspire, with her outfits earning praise from fans and fellow players alike. As Coco Gauff, the 2023 US Open champion, noted, “Fashion helps bring just casual fans to the sport, a new demographic.” Williams' bold style choices reflect her personality and flair, both on and off the court.

Serena Williams' enduring influence on tennis fashion is undeniable. Her on-court styles have been a reflection of her personality, showcasing her bold and daring approach to the sport. “For me what you wear is just a reflection of who you are and being able to express myself on the court,” Williams said, highlighting the importance of fashion in her game. From iconic catsuits to sleek tutus, Williams has consistently pushed the boundaries of tennis fashion.

Some of her most memorable looks include:

• Catsuit: A bold, compression garment designed to help prevent blood clots, which she wore at the 2018 French Open.

• Tutu Dress: A custom Nike x Virgil Abloh design she wore at the 2018 US Open, showcasing her fun and playful side.

• Denim Skirt: A 2004 look that featured a denim pleated skirt, which spoke volumes about her confidence and style.

On the court, Williams has consistently used fashion as a means of self-expression, and her influence extends beyond her playing career. Her commitment to showcasing her personal style has inspired a new generation of tennis players and fashion enthusiasts alike. Despite her recent loss with partner Leylah Fernandez, Williams' impact on tennis fashion remains a testament to her lasting legacy.

Venus Williams on Fashion

“It's a lot of fun when you wear something you feel good in,” said Venus Williams, highlighting the importance of fashion in her tennis career. Her outfits have consistently showcased her personal style and flair, making her a fashion icon in the sport. Whether she's wearing a classic, all-white ensemble or a bold, mesh-layered kit, Williams' fashion choices reflect her confidence and individuality.

Fashion Statements on the Court

Williams' recent looks have garnered significant attention, including a pleated-and-collared, all-white kit for her singles match that paid homage to tennis legend Althea Gibson. In doubles, she wore a striking mesh-layered kit with embellished trim, followed by a custom-designed Pucci dress that showcased her flair for high-fashion. These outfits have not only earned praise from fans but also cemented her status as a style influencer in tennis.

Venus Williams made headlines earlier this year with her bold fashion choices. “It doesn't matter what that is, as long as you feel good in it. So I got to do that,” Williams said, highlighting her confidence in expressing herself through fashion. “If it was fashionable, thank you for that,” she added with a touch of humor.

Fashion in Tennis

Fashion plays a significant role in tennis, extending beyond the court to influence the sport's growth and popularity. Coco Gauff, the 2023 champion, emphasizes the importance of fashion in attracting new fans. “Fashion helps bring just casual fans to the sport, a new demographic,” Gauff said, underscoring the impact of stylish collaborations like her own partnership with Miu Miu and New Balance.

Gauff's Fashion Influence

Gauff's collaboration with Miu Miu showcases her influence on and off the court. Her designs blend high fashion with athletic performance, reflecting her youthful energy and style. The collection, available on September 10, 2025, features statement pieces like the New Balance x Miu Miu Coco CG2 and 530 SL sneakers, technical silk hoodies, and custom track pants. Gauff's fashion sense has drawn praise from fans and fashion experts alike.

Coco Gauff on Tennis Fashion Evolution

Coco Gauff credits Serena Williams as a pioneer in tennis fashion, noting that Williams has been instrumental in changing the game. “Now brands are having more than just one kit for their roster of athletes,” Gauff said, highlighting the shift towards more personalized and stylish outfits. She reminisced about watching the US Open as a child, where players wore identical kits, likening it to a “cheerleading squad.” Gauff's own fashion sense has been showcased through her collaborations with high-end brands like Miu Miu, which she partnered with for specialty kits in Rome, Berlin, and Cincinnati earlier this year.

Gauff's Fashion Influence

Gauff's influence extends beyond the court, with her style inspiring young fans and reflecting her confidence and individuality. Her partnership with Miu Miu and longtime sponsor New Balance demonstrates her status as a fashion icon in tennis. According to Gauff, having role models like Serena and Venus Williams made a significant difference in her early career, providing her with inspiration and motivation to pursue her dreams.

Serena Williams' Lasting Impact

Serena Williams has left an indelible mark on tennis, both on and off the court. Her influence on fashion has paved the way for future generations of players, including Gauff, to express themselves through their attire. Williams' iconic looks, from her catsuit to her tutu dress, have become synonymous with her confidence and style. Gauff has often spoken about the impact Williams has had on her career, citing her as a powerful trailblazer who has inspired countless young athletes.

Naomi Osaka's Glittery Kit

Naomi Osaka's glittery, purple Nike kit was the result of months of planning. “It always makes me excited for what's coming up that people don't know about,” Osaka said, hinting at the anticipation and thrill of revealing her carefully crafted look. The attention to detail and collaboration with Nike reflect her dedication to both her sport and her personal style.

Osaka's Fashion Flair

Osaka's outfits are often a fusion of style and functionality, designed to boost her confidence on the court. Her recent look featured a glittery purple kit paired with bejeweled Labubus on her racket bag, adding a playful touch. This attention to detail showcases Osaka's flair for fashion and her desire to express herself through her clothing choices.

“That just kind of makes me excited to obviously do well so I can have a good court to wear these outfits on.”