1998 U.S. Open - Arthur Ashe Kids Day - August 29, 2006

The evolution of Serena Williams’ on-court tennis fashion

From wearing black sneaker boots to a pastel ballerina tutu

Director/Deputy Editor Miami

SEPTEMBER 7, 2022 5:06 PM EDTSEP 7, 2022, 5:06 PM EDT

One of the most internationally recognized tennis superstars Serena Williams recently announced her retirement after playing an exciting match against Ajla Tomljanovic of Australia at the 2022 U.S. Open. Serena has been an inspiration to so many aspiring athletes. The African-American player went pro at the young age of 14, and since then, she has been ranked among the top players in the world and has won over 20 Grand Slam championships.

Serena Williams has earned her title as a legend. What’s more, she not only ruled the courts with her tennis skills, she also gained attention for bringing her ace fashion to the games with her iconic and stylish outfits. Over the years, she has brought unique looks and styles to the courts. From wearing black sneaker boots and a black dress, a pastel ballerina tutu to standing out with bold, bright colors and patterns.

According to Nike for this last pivotal match in her career, Williams took a hands-on approach to designing her look. “Inspired by graceful competition dresses worn by figure skaters, the embellished bodice and the skirt place Serena in the spotlight and allow her freedom of movement. The skirt includes six layers, a nod to her six previous title wins in Flushing. With a matching jacket and tote, the deep hue and crystal-encrusted bodice refracts light and shines brightly, alluding to the night sky at the tournament..”

For footwear, the 40-year-old athlete wore a custom pair of PE NikeCourt Flare 2, which featured a diamond-encrusted swoosh, which matched her outfit.

As you can see, Serena Williams doesn’t just wear anything on the courts. During her long and successful career, she has brought her colorful, fun, and unique style and personality to her matches. She took the traditional tennis outfits elevating them with her fashion touch. We can’t wait to see how her passion for fashion continues to grow outside of the Tennis world.

So, as we say goodbye to her on the courts, let’s scroll below to see the evolution of her iconic on-court fashion.

Serena Williams at the 1998 US Open Tennis Championships

Serena Williams From The usaIs The 1999 US Open Champion Photo: Ron

Serena Williams at The 1999 US Open Tennis Championships

Serena Williams at The 2002 US Open Tennis Championships

2002 French Open - Women's Second Round - Serena Williams v Dally Randriantefy

Serena Williams beats Madagascar’s Dally Randriantefy in the French Open Tennis tournament’s second round at the Roland Garros stadium in Paris, May 30, 2002. Williams won 6-2, 6-3.

Serena Williams hits a serve to Lindsay Davenport during the Family Circle Cup April 12, 2003 at the Family Circle Magazine Stadium on Daniel Island in Charleston, South Carolina.

Serena Williams warming up prior to her match against Tatiana Golovin of France during the 2004 US Open at the USTA National Tennis Center in New York.

Serena Williams of the USA points during day 2 of the WTA Tour Championships

Serena Williams at the WTA Tour Championships on November 11, 2004 at Staples Center in Los Angeles, California.

Serena Williams of the USA returns to Shahar Peer of Israel during the NASDAQ-100 Open at the Crandon Park Tennis Center on March 27, 2005 in Key Biscayne, Florida.

Serena Williams on day two of the French Open at Roland Garros on May 24, 2010 in Paris, France.

Rogers Masters presented by National Bank - Day 7

Serena Williams celebrates match point to win the tournament against Samantha Stosur of Australia on Day 7 of the Rogers Cup presented by National Bank at the Rexall Centre on August 14, 2011 in Canada.

Serena Williams at the 2014 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 5, 2014 in New York.

Serena Williams at the 2018 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on August 29, 2018 in New York.

Serena Williams at the 2018 French Open at Roland Garros stadium on June 3, 2018 in Paris, France.

Serena Williams at the 2019 French Open at Roland Garros on May 27, 2019 in Paris, France.

Serena Williams at the 2020 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 24, 2020 in Melbourne, Australia.

Serena Williams at the 2021 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on February 12, 2021 in Melbourne, Australia.

Serena Williams at the WTA 500 Yarra Valley Classic at Melbourne Park on February 05, 2021 in Melbourne, Australia.

Serena Williams at the 2021 Wimbledon Championships at The All England Tennis Club in Wimbledon, southwest London.

Serena Williams at the 2022 US Open at USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 02, 2022 in New York.