‘Tenniscore’ was everywhere in 2024, with Challengers kicking off a refreshed obsession with the sport – helped, in part, by actor Zendaya’s on-brand press tour looks that embraced the best parts of preppy sportswear. They may have been custom made designer outfits or specially sourced vintage pieces, but there were plenty of details and ‘trends’ woven through the looks that could be translated into the everyday. Whether you’re heading to the ASB Classic tournament in Auckland this summer, or just hanging out at the park, below are a few tennis-inspired fashion looks to love (and shop).

‍The ASB Classic runs from December 30 – January 11, 2025. Details and tickets, here.

Head-to-toe white

A crisp white ensemble is undeniably chic, and will help combat the heat courtside too. A white cable knit sweater, like Zendaya’s at the Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters, is a smart option for evening sessions; pair it with a simple long white skirt like this from Harris Tapper or this from Marle. Juliette Hogan’s maxi cotton skirt and matching shirt is a perfect light tennis ensemble; bonus points for being a sunsmart cover up. If casual is more your style, try a pair of white denim shorts like Ruby’s popular ‘Clover’ style.

Juliette Hogan cotton shirt, $349, and skirt, $499

Ruby lace top, $149, and denim shorts, $199

A white dress

If separates aren’t your thing, opt for something simple and straightforward: like a plain white dress. Zambesi’s organic cotton dress feels vaguely reminiscent of vintage tennis kit and is perfectly light and loose for steamy afternoons, while Karen Walker’s option features whimsical details – puff sleeves, statement buttons and a full skirt – to add some fun.

Zambesi organic cotton dress, $350

Karen Walker organic cotton puff-sleeved dress, $465 

‍Stripes

Zendaya’s vest and mini skirt might be by Vivienne Westwood and feature a playful bustle at the back, but it’s still an example of the classicism of stripes that makes it perfect tennis-wear. Locally there are always stripe options available from most brands and designers, but Kate Sylvester’s light cotton vest and trouser set is worth a look; as is Caitlin Crisp’s flirty blue and white striped mini dress (almost as mini as Zendaya’s…).

Sylvester vest, $249, and pants, $299 

Caitlin Crisp dress, $425

Be the ball

If that’s all a little too simple and colour is more your vibe, be inspired by what’s on the court with bright shades of yellow (or are they green?): Lost and Led Astray’s oversized T-shirt dress comes in ‘acid’ tie-dye, while Penny Sage’s boxy silk shirt is in a delightful bold chartreuse.

Lost and Led Astray dress, $329 

Penny Sage silk shirt, $450

Preppy polos

Zendaya’s classic look here is based on an actual tennis whites: a recreation of iconic player Althea Gibson’s kit. If a white polo feels a bit too literal, embrace the preppiness of the style but with some colour. Harris Tapper’s black polo dress is a summery version of their maxi length, while Kowtow’s bold blue with its full sleeves will stand out in the crowd (and protect your shoulders from the rays).

Harris Tapper polo dress, $449 

Kowtow shirt, $249

That T-shirt

The girlies who get it, get it.

Loewe T-shirt, about $555