Game-Changers in Style: Taylor Fritz, Coco Gauff, Zheng Qinwen, and More Shine in 2024 Off-Court Fashion
In 2024, the tennis world saw an exciting evolution not only in athletic prowess but also in personal style, as top players brought their A-game to the fashion world. While tennis has long been associated with tradition and formality on the court, its stars are increasingly becoming icons of modern style, seamlessly transitioning from sporty whites to streetwear and high fashion. Leading the way in this stylish revolution are Taylor Fritz, Coco Gauff, Zheng Qinwen, and a host of other players, who have elevated the concept of “off-court fashion” to new heights.
The Intersection of Sport and Fashion
Tennis has always flirted with fashion. From the iconic headbands of Björn Borg to Serena Williams’ daring Nike catsuits, players have used their unique personalities to redefine the aesthetics of the sport. But in recent years, there has been a growing trend of tennis stars establishing themselves as fashion influencers beyond their profession. In 2024, this shift became more evident than ever, with players becoming regulars at runway shows, starring in campaigns for luxury brands, and curating their own styles to reflect their individuality.
This year, Taylor Fritz, Coco Gauff, and Zheng Qinwen particularly stood out as ambassadors of this movement, each blending athleticism with couture sensibilities.
Taylor Fritz: Clean Lines and Effortless Cool
Taylor Fritz, the highest-ranked American male player in 2024, has cemented his reputation as much for his fashion sense as his devastating forehand. Known for his love of minimalist designs, Fritz gravitates toward clean lines, neutral palettes, and understated luxury.
In an interview earlier this year, Fritz described his style as “laid-back but polished.” His Instagram feed is a showcase of monochromatic looks, including tailored jackets paired with crisp sneakers, or casual turtlenecks layered under structured blazers. This blend of high and low fashion has made him a favorite for brands like Prada and Tom Ford, who featured him in campaigns showcasing their menswear collections. Fritz also made headlines with his appearance at the 2024 Met Gala, where he wore a sleek, all-black tuxedo with subtle diamond detailing, earning accolades from fashion critics worldwide.
His fashion endeavors are deeply intertwined with his personality—relaxed yet precise. Off-court, Fritz’s style mirrors his approach to tennis: calculated but with a cool, effortless exterior.
Coco Gauff: Young, Vibrant, and Fearless
Coco Gauff, at just 20 years old, continues to dominate both on and off the court. Gauff’s personality shines through her bold and youthful style choices, making her a darling of both the sports and fashion worlds. Her ability to combine sporty chic with high-fashion pieces has made her a frequent collaborator with global brands like Louis Vuitton, Off-White, and Nike.
In 2024, Gauff debuted her capsule collection with Nike, featuring bold graphics, vibrant colors, and silhouettes designed to be both functional and stylish. This collaboration cemented her status as a trendsetter, with items from the collection selling out within hours of release.
Her red-carpet appearances this year were equally noteworthy. At the Cannes Film Festival, she turned heads in a custom Valentino gown that fused modern cuts with tennis-inspired details. Meanwhile, her streetwear looks featured oversized hoodies paired with cycling shorts, bucket hats, and statement sneakers, reflecting her Gen Z sensibilities. Gauff’s fashion resonates with a younger audience, redefining what it means to be an athlete in today’s world.
Zheng Qinwen: East Meets West Elegance
Zheng Qinwen, often called “the next big thing in tennis,” is not just making waves with her game but also with her sophisticated style. Hailing from China, Zheng brings a unique blend of Eastern and Western influences to her off-court fashion choices.
In 2024, Zheng became an ambassador for luxury brands like Dior and Fendi, regularly gracing the front rows of their fashion shows. Her style leans toward classic elegance, often featuring intricate embroidery, bold silhouettes, and traditional Chinese motifs reimagined for contemporary audiences. Whether it’s a silk qipao-inspired gown or a tailored pantsuit, Zheng effortlessly marries tradition with modernity.
Her fashion journey also speaks to her role as a cultural bridge. Zheng has often expressed pride in her heritage, and her style choices reflect that pride while resonating with global audiences. Her ability to balance these influences has made her a standout figure, not just in tennis but in fashion as well.
The Broader Movement
While Fritz, Gauff, and Zheng have been the vanguards of tennis fashion in 2024, they are far from alone. Players like Naomi Osaka, Stefanos Tsitsipas, and Jannik Sinner have also contributed to the sport’s growing relationship with style. Osaka continues to champion inclusivity and cultural representation through her fashion ventures, while Tsitsipas and Sinner bring European flair to their wardrobes, blending sharp tailoring with casual elegance.
Social media has amplified this trend, with players sharing glimpses of their lives off the court. These platforms have become virtual runways, showcasing everything from high-end collaborations to personal styling. Fans are no longer just interested in match results; they want to know what their favorite players are wearing, where they shop, and how they interpret trends.
Tennis Stars as Cultural Icons
The rise of tennis players as fashion icons reflects a broader shift in how we view athletes. No longer confined to their sport, they are now multifaceted public figures with influence extending far beyond the court. This evolution mirrors changes in the fashion industry itself, which increasingly values authenticity and diversity over traditional celebrity endorsements.
As 2024 unfolds, the impact of players like Taylor Fritz, Coco Gauff, and Zheng Qinwen will only continue to grow. By combining their athletic excellence with a flair for fashion, they are shaping a new narrative—one where the lines between sport, art, and culture are beautifully blurred.
In the world of 2024 tennis, style and substance are no longer separate arenas. Players are embracing their roles as global ambassadors of not just the sport, but also of modern fashion. From court to street, these athletes are proving that true champions leave their mark everywhere they go.
