The attention at the 2025 Australian Open is focused on Destanee Aiava, not only for her impressive performances but also for her standout tennis fashion choices. The Australian player has mesmerized fans by bringing back iconic tennis dresses from the past, creating a sense of nostalgia and admiration among fashion enthusiasts.
Destanee Aiava has been showcasing different iconic dresses from the 2010s this week in Melbourne.
For today’s match, she chose a classic Caroline Wozniacki Adidas look pic.twitter.com/HUqoukweXF
— Jimmie48 Photography (@JJlovesTennis) January 13, 2025
In the qualifying rounds, Aiava paid tribute to tennis legends Ana Ivanovic and Maria Sharapova by wearing some of their most iconic outfits. In her first-round main draw match, Aiava appeared on the court in an Adidas color-block dress famously worn by Caroline Wozniacki at the 2013 US Open, a creation by Stella McCartney that perfectly captured the chic and innovative designs of 2010s tennis fashion.
Aiava’s choice has brought back an appreciation for what is now considered a golden era of tennis style. While the designs of the 2010s may have been overlooked at the time, her revival of these iconic looks showcases their timeless appeal and introduces their elegance to a new generation of fans.
Aside from her fashion statement, Aiava also delivered an impressive on-court performance by defeating Belgium’s Greet Minnen in a tough 5-7 7-5 7-6(5) battle. The match, lasting three hours, highlighted Aiava’s resilience as she saved two match points at 4-5 in the final set before making a remarkable comeback.
This victory is a significant milestone for the 24-year-old Aiava, marking her first Grand Slam main-draw win after six attempts. Previously entering Grand Slams as a wildcard, she made it to the main draw this time through qualifying, showcasing her recent surge in form.
The Adidas by Stella McCartney dress worn by Aiava was a standout piece in Wozniacki’s 2013 wardrobe, featuring three shades of blue, intricate color-blocking, and keyhole side openings. The dress’s flounce hem, regular straps, and racerback added to its appeal, making it a fan favorite. Aiava’s choice to bring this dress back to the Melbourne courts was a nod to the timeless allure of last decade’s tennis fashion.
Aiava’s recent success goes beyond fashion and influences her career trajectory. With a nine-match winning streak and a title at the Brisbane ITF W50 tournament to close out her 2024 season, her first-round win in Melbourne solidifies her confidence as she prepares to face American tenth seed Danielle Collins in the second round.
For Aiava, this breakthrough signifies more than just wins—it’s also a practical step forward. “It means that I can bring someone to travel with this year, and I can afford to actually go to all the tournaments that I want to,” Aiava said. “It really helps. Financially, tennis is so expensive. I struggle traveling on my own. The fact that I get to bring my fiancé [ATP pro Corey Gaal] with me and hopefully one of my family members to the big ones, yeah, it makes a world of a difference.”
