Tennis
Destanee Aiava's Vintage Tennis Fashion Takes Centre Stage at Melbourne
2025-01-16
In a remarkable turn of events, Destanee Aiava has captured the attention of tennis enthusiasts and fashion aficionados alike. Her journey from qualifying rounds to the second round of a Grand Slam event has been nothing short of spectacular. Beyond her on-court prowess, Aiava's bold fashion choices have added an extra layer of intrigue to her performances. Inspired by iconic looks from tennis legends, she has revived classic styles, making headlines for both her game and her wardrobe.

Elevating Style and Performance: How Fashion Inspires Aiava’s Tennis

The Revival of Classic Tennis Outfits

Destanee Aiava's unique approach to tennis fashion has not only turned heads but also sparked conversations about the evolution of style in sports. In her recent matches, Aiava has donned replicas of outfits worn by tennis legends years ago. For instance, she chose Maria Sharapova’s 2011 French Open Nike ensemble for her second-round match against Danielle Collins. This pink-and-grey dress echoes Sharapova’s signature look from the 2012 US Open, setting the tone for Aiava's retro-inspired wardrobe.Aiava's fashion choices extend beyond just one tournament. In her first-round match, she sported a navy, cobalt, and sky blue Adidas x Stella McCartney dress, reminiscent of Caroline Wozniacki’s 2013 US Open attire. Her yellow-vintage outfit in the second round of the 2025 Australian Open was equally striking. These vintage pieces were worn on court before Aiava was even a teenager, adding a nostalgic charm to her appearances.

Hunting Down Retro Treasures

The question on everyone's mind is how Aiava managed to find these iconic outfits. According to her, it's all about dedication and a keen eye for detail. “I’ve found them on eBay—for double the price that they were originally for. But yeah, I just like looking—on Depop, Facebook Marketplace, eBay—to find the old, vintage outfits that I loved when I was little,” she revealed. This passion for vintage fashion has become a hallmark of her identity, setting her apart from other players.Fashion is more than just clothing for Aiava; it's a form of self-expression. She describes herself as "a really big fashion girly" and has aspirations to pursue a degree in fashion. Her love for retro styles stems from a desire to bring back the magic of earlier eras. “I’m just a really big fan of everything that was worn back in the day. I think a lot of the outfits were really timeless and I feel like these days that they are lacking a little bit,” said Aiava.

Beyond Nostalgia: The Impact of Fashion on Performance

Aiava believes that wearing outfits that make her feel confident directly influences her performance on the court. She adheres to the adage "look good, play good," emphasizing the importance of feeling stylish while competing. Accessories, such as matching wristbands to her dresses, further enhance her sense of readiness. “I feel like the saying ‘look good, play good’ is very true. So that’s something that I like to play a part in my tennis,” she explained.Her fashion choices have not gone unnoticed, drawing both praise and criticism. Despite facing trolls on social media for her $180 million replica of Maria Sharapova’s US Open outfit, Aiava remains unfazed. She used this opportunity to address negative comments about her physical appearance, demonstrating resilience and confidence. Her ability to handle such scrutiny showcases her growth as both an athlete and a fashion icon.

Aiming for the Future: Balancing Fashion and Sponsorship

Looking ahead, Aiava has set her sights on securing a sponsorship deal with a sportswear brand. However, she is cautious about losing her individuality. “If that happens, I’ll have to wear the same outfits as others,” she noted. While she admires Serena Williams' style, finding Serena-inspired dresses has proven challenging due to their rarity and cost.Despite these challenges, Aiava remains committed to her vision of blending fashion and tennis. She hopes to inspire a return to the elegance and creativity of past decades, bringing a fresh perspective to modern tennis fashion. As she continues to make waves at the 2025 Australian Open, all eyes will be on Destanee Aiava, watching how far she can go in this prestigious event.
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