“We are drawn to tennis style as it allows people to effortlessly lean into the trend without fully committing to a sporty look,” says Sinead Cutts, style director at The OutNet. “It really doesn’t get much chicer than courtside at tennis, and this season we’ll be sure to see subtle nods to quiet luxury and preppiness, giving tennis style a modern edge.”

The other appeal of “tenniscore” is that you’ll often already own many of the staple pieces. “To get the on-court look, I would suggest breathable fabrics, and classic items such as wide-legged pants and an oversized blazer are always the go-to. It’s the perfect opportunity to have fun styling elevated and preppy pieces such as polo shirts, A-line skirts and sunhats,” adds Cutts.

Kardashian Kloset: would you buy Kim K’s ‘dirty Birkin’ for US$70,000?

That said, working with staple pieces such as polos and blazers means there’s a little wriggle room.

“I would love to see the spring/summer 2024 sheer and sorbet shade trends making an appearance. Pairing a crisp white cotton shirt with a sheer midi skirt would feel elevated and very ‘on point’,” says Cutts.

Tennis has always been a particularly stylish sport. As Vogue wrote in 1926 of dashing fashion designer Jean Patou’s scandalous new costume for tennis star Suzanne Lenglen – a pleated knee-length skirt, orange headband and sleeveless cardigan – it was “a tennis costume that is extraordinarily chic in the freedom, the suitability, and the excellence of its simple lines”.

How grand slam champ Jannik Sinner became a tennis style icon

Tenniscore fits with the influx of luxury brands into the sport, from Louis Vuitton crafting the trophies for the Australian Open, to Ralph Lauren’s role as outfitter of the tournament. There is perhaps no better-dressed celebrity spot than those who pop up at the US Open and Wimbledon – Vogue’s Anna Wintour famously plays tennis every morning and is a regular at the tournament.

Australian street style photographer Liz Sunshine, who captured the style of attendees at this year’s Australian Open – including the Ralph Lauren-clad guests – declared on Instagram that in terms of style, the Open was “the new Melbourne Cup” with spectators embracing both comfort and true personal style.

Serena, the second act: what is Serena Williams up to after her tennis glory?

Meanwhile, rising alongside tenniscore has been the resurgence of the diamond tennis bracelet, so named for tennis champion Chris Evert who stopped play at the US Open in 1978 when her diamond bracelet broke on court. As Meg Strachan – founder and CEO of Los Angeles brand Dorsey that uses lab-grown sapphires and is loved by celebrities such as Hailey Bieber – told The Wall Street Journal: “It was traditionally worn by mums at country clubs. Now you see it on almost everybody.”

Noura Sakkijha, co-founder and CEO of Mejuri, believes the take-up of the tennis bracelet is mostly because it’s something you’ll wear forever – and it works just as well with a tennis skirt as it does an evening gown.

“Versatility, timelessness and high quality pieces that can be kept forever are so important to our customers, and tennis styles embody all those qualities. They can be dressed up or down, making an investment in a tennis bracelet so worthwhile,” she says.