It can be game, set and match for tennis players if they don’t have the right duds.
“There is an advantage that can be gained, in terms of how you are perceived by your opponent, by having different forms of clothing,” says Iain Greenlees, a UK-based sports psychologist at the University of Chichester who’s studied the effect clothing has on competition. “An unruffled exterior will impact everything.”
In his yearlong study, Greenlees had tennis players first watch videos of their potential rivals warming up, then size them up based on their demeanor and clothing. Those who sported tennis-branded gear and looked more confident were seen as more formidable opponents.
That rings true to Bob Smith, tennis apparel designer at New Balance, which outfits pro Milos Raonic.
“I’ve heard players say that when they get out on the court and they look dowdy and their opponent comes out looking crisp, that in itself is intimidating,” says Smith. He says clothing styles vary from player to player, but the one constant is comfort: “They want to look as good as possible without being uncomfortable.”
With the US Open in full swing, here are some looks that can help players net the prize.
Clothing
Players should dress to show off their strengths — like Serena Williams and her muscles. “Serena wears clothing that accentuates her physical prowess,” says sports psychologist Iain Greenlees. “Her clothing is a symbol of her power.” Color counts too, Greenlees says: Red can intimidate or make someone look more dominant than they truly are. Dowdy won’t cut it, either, says designer Bob Smith: “The US Open is in New York and just before Fashion Week. The whole environment is fashion.”
Hair & headgear
A perfect crown completes the look, says Julien Farel, official hairstylist for the US Open. He favors no-fuss braids to tame flyaways or a high ponytail that’s practical and looks polished on television. “The combination of a stylish visor, a high braided ponytail and minimal makeup creates a sexy look for the cameras,” Farel says.
Sneakers
Scott Kendall, footwear designer for New Balance, says sneakers shouldn’t be too cushioned — players need to feel the court underneath them. And footwear has gone way beyond white and into bold colors, such as these red-and-gray Nikes worn by Serena Williams: “Everything is becoming more fashion-forward.”