Wild fashion moments and the best tennis apparel at 2026 Australian Open

Our first Grand Slam fashion check-in of 2026 is here, and the Australian Open definitely put tennis fashion back in the spotlight, drawing in even those who don’t normally follow the game. Now, let’s dive into the standout looks and the brands that dominated the Melbourne courts.

Without a doubt, Naomi Osaka’s walk-ins sent a fashion earthquake through Melbourne. Though the Japanese star often describes herself as shy, introverted, and reserved, her on-court style tells a very different story—bold, expressive, and unapologetically attention-grabbing.

The four-time Grand Slam champion stepped out in an ocean-inspired Nike dress dubbed the “jellyfish,” making an immediate statement. Accessories elevated the look even further: an elegant white hat crowned with an oversized butterfly and finished with a dramatic veil cascading all the way to the floor. The butterfly was a meaningful nod to the insect that famously landed on Osaka’s face during her 2021 Australian Open title run. The motif reappeared on her asymmetrical white umbrella, reminiscent of traditional Japanese parasols used for sun protection.

Beneath the dress, Osaka layered long white pleated pieces: flared pants paired with a skirt. For warm-up, the 28-year-old completed the look with a perfectly coordinated jacket, while her footwear echoed the same blue-and-green palette.

World number one Aryna Sabalenka stepped onto court in the Nike Spring Slam Dress which draws inspiration from two iconic Nike moments: Serena Williams’ 2021 Australian Open bodysuit—famously influenced by Olympic sprint legend Florence Griffith Joyner—and Maria Sharapova’s orange racerback dress from the 2016 tournament.

Figure-hugging and boldly color-blocked, the dress channels the sleek lines of surfing gear, reimagined for the tennis court. The result is a powerful, athletic silhouette that feels both retro and futuristic.

The Nike Spring Slam Dress appeared across the draw in multiple colorways: Madison Keys, last year’s Australian Open champion, rocked a neon green and lemon version, while Emma Raducanu promoted the look in purple.

Making her first appearance in Melbourne since 2021, Venus Williams stepped onto court in the Lacoste Heritage Dress, a classic navy pleated design that nodded to timeless tennis style. Since halting operations on her fashion label EleVen, the legend has turned to the Croc for her match gear.

An even better expression of Lacoste’s modern elegance came via Eva Lys’ ensemble: the off-white, polo-style Melbourne Player’s Tank—a sleek, slim-fitting design featuring engineered perforations—paired with the matching Melbourne Player’s Skirt.

Orange was Adidas’ color of choice in Melbourne, with Elina Svitolina and Jessica Pegula carrying the hue into the women’s singles semifinals in the Melbourne Wow Pro Dress.

Coco Gauff represented New Balance in a vibrant orange dress, also alternating with an off-white version in some matches. The fitted top and pleated skirt flowed effortlessly as she chased down shots. Her look was completed with white New Balance Coco CG2 shoes, featuring orange outsoles and detailing.

Iga Swiatek stuck to her signature minimalist style with On, sporting a white tank accented by short black horizontal stripes on one side, paired with white shorts.

The Pole completed her look with vibrant yellow On tennis shoes and purple socks, coordinating with her cap and wristbands.

New to the Wilson family, Anastasia Potapova sported a solid burgundy dress featuring an open upper back.

Ajla Tomljanovic debuted Original Penguins’ summery blue Aquarius Lettuce Edge set, featuring a striped tank paired with a tiered skirt.

Neon green ruled Asics’ Australian summer collection, exemplified by Jasmine Paolini’s sporty separates. She paired her Spring Match Jacquard Crop Tank with the Melbourne Match Laser Cut Short, a 2-in-1 piece with a woven outer layer and built-in shortie for ball storage.

Yonex’s Australian lineup highlighted ombre details. Here we can see Elena Rybakina in the Melbourne Dress which features a subtle gradient across the chest and skirt, paired with a high-cut neckline, a racerback with an undercut, and a discreet slit along the left hem for ease of movement.

The Kazakhstani’s Yonex PC Eclipsion 5 shoes are personalized with her name.

Dayana Yastremska went for a bolder silhouette and color combination, wearing the Yonex Melbourne Crop Tank and Skirt in an indigo blue accented with neon yellow.

FP Movement introduced intricate lace detailing, showcased in two very different dresses worn by Sloane Stephens and 2020 Australian Open champion Sofia Kenin. Stephens took things a step further, opting for a vibrant yellow strappy dress featuring a sheer bodice and a layered lace skirt.

Leylah Fernandez showcased Lululemon in lovely purple separates, combining a high-waisted flared skirt with a fitted cropped tank featuring criss-cross back straps.

Rebecca Sramkova looked sporty and stylish in Mizuno’s cropped top and skirt, highlighted by neon yellow accents and finished with coordinated arm sleeve, headband, and wristbands.

Laura Siegemund began the 2026 season in Quiet Please, unveiling the brand’s red separates with striped straps and a coordinating waistband at the Australian Open.

While Siegemund moved on from Fila, Jaqueline Cristian joined the brand founded in 1911, stepping out in timeless separates rendered in Fila’s signature navy, red, and white palette.

Jelena Ostapenko sported apparel from Fourteen, a premium Swiss sportswear brand founded in 2011 in Geneva.

Liudmila Samsonova opted for a soft lilac palette in the K-Swiss Bliss Vitalize Tank, paired with the Bliss Recharge Skirt.

As we’ve seen, tennis fashion had plenty to offer at the 2026 Australian Open. From truly bold, boundary-pushing looks like Naomi Osaka’s to more understated, classic interpretations, the range of brands on display was impressively diverse, with many choosing to chart their own creative path. With plenty of individuality, Melbourne set a high bar for the rest of the season. Who was your best dressed WTA player?