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The Definitive Guide To Iconic Tennis Style For Wimbledon

The Definitive Guide To Iconic Tennis Style For Wimbledon

Fashion's favorite sport? No question. Tennis whites have inspired celebrities, designers and film directors for decades.

wimbledon

Fashion's favorite sport? No question. The Wimbledon finals are this weekend where the world's top tennis players compete for the major title at the All England Club. Tennis whites have inspired designers and film directors alike for decades. And some of the greatest players of all time―from Bjorn Borg to Roger Federer and Serena Williams―are known for having personal style that rivals their racket skills. Here, a look back at 45+ tennis pros and celebs who aced the on-court look.

Spain's first great tennis player had impeccable personal style―as exemplified by this white fur-trimmed coat she wore in 1926 Photo: Getty
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lili di alvarez

The French doyenne at Wimbledon in 1923 Photo: Getty
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Suzanne Lenglen

The 1920s film idol claimed tennis was one of her favorite sports Photo: Getty
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gloria swanson

The world champion played up his nickname "the Crocodile," and famously launched his own clothing line featuring the motif. Seen here, after winning the Davis Cup at Wimbledon in 1932 Photo: Getty
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René Lacoste

The elusive actress posed with a racket on the set of the 1929 silent film, The Kiss Photo: Getty
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greta garbo

The iconic actress―seen here in 1935―was a longtime tomboy known for keeping active, and was particularly fond of golf and tennis Photo: Getty
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katharine hepburn

The first player to win a "career grand slam" in 1935 is equally well known for his popular polo shirts featuring a laurel wreath Photo: Getty
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fred perry

The 1930s sex symbol took a breather on the tennis court Photo: Getty
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jean harlow

The all-American actress was known for her graceful dancing, and brought that sense of balance to the court Photo: Getty
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ginger rogers

The Queen Mother visited with American player Helen Wills Moody at Wimbledon in 1938 Photo: Getty
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Queen Elizabeth

The actress pictured jumping over the net in 1940 Photo: Getty
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ava gardner

America's golden couple played a match while engaged in 1953 Photo: Getty
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jfk jackie o

She became the first black player to compete at Wimbledon in 1951 Photo: Getty
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althea gibson

Seen here at Wimbledon in 1964, the 39-time Grand Slam winner and equal rights advocate was rarely seen without her stylish horn rim glasses Photo: Getty
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billie jean king

The Italian tennis player's glamorous on-court looks generated so much buzz in the '60s that she started keeping her outfits a secret until the day of the match Photo: Getty
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lea pericoli

An avid tennis player, Eastwood turned up alongside Lucille Ball at a California tournament in 1970 Photo: Getty
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clint eastwood lucille ball

Posing in a sporty knit set and tennis shoes, outside of a U.K. concert in 1973 Photo: Getty
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diana ross

The first-and-only African American male tennis player to win Wimbledon and the U.S. Open also had incredible style, as witnessed during this a 1975 Wimbledon match Photo: Getty
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arthur ashe

The '70s pinup knew a thing or two about looking good in tennis whites. Seen here in 1976 outside the Playboy Mansion after playing a charity tournament Photo: Getty
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farrah fawcett

The lead characters in Allen's 1977 film Annie Hall met while playing a tennis doubles match Photo: Getty
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woody allen diane keaton

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