Executive Overview
For decades, the sartorial code of professional tennis was defined by rigorous tradition. Tournaments like Wimbledon enforced strict, all-white dress codes for competitors, while spectators leaned into a refined, country-club aesthetic consisting of pleated skirts, cable-knit sweaters, and classic polo shirts. However, the cultural landscape of the sport has undergone a seismic shift. In recent years, tennis has transitioned from an elite, legacy-bound pastime into a mainstream cultural phenomenon, fueled heavily by explosive female fandom, streaming-era pop culture moments, and the unmatched influence of digital creators.
At the epicenter of this modern fashion renaissance is social media star and style icon Morgan Riddle. While she is a permanent fixture in the global tennis circuit, her presence is not dictated by forehands, baseline rallies, or match points. Instead, Riddle has masterminded a new way to engage with the sport, bridging the gap between high fashion, authentic fandom, and everyday wearability.
Through her widely anticipated "Get Ready With Me" (GRWM) content, Riddle has transformed the traditional U.S. Open spectator experience into a major cultural and style event. Her philosophy on "tenniscore" departs significantly from the literal interpretations of the past. Rather than dressing as though one is heading directly onto the court to play a set, contemporary tennis fashion is all about playful, self-aware nods to the game. By blending localized New York street style with subtle, kitschy athletic accessories, Riddle and her contemporaries are proving that tennis culture belongs just as much to the fashion enthusiast in the stands as it does to the athletes on the court.
Detailed Chronology: From Country Club Whites to New York Street Style
To understand how modern tennis style reached its current iteration, it is necessary to examine how the sport’s aesthetic vocabulary has shifted over time.
The Literal Interpretation Era
The mainstream explosion of "tenniscore" hit a distinct inflection point following the release of high-profile tennis-centric cinema, most notably Luca Guadagnino’s summer drama Challengers. When the film hit theaters, it sparked an immediate wave of enthusiasm across social media platforms. Initially, fans and fashion enthusiasts interpreted the trend quite literally. Social media feeds were flooded with full tennis uniforms: crisp pleated white skirts, high socks, visors, and traditional athletic brands.
While this look successfully channeled the cinematic aesthetic of the sport, it remained rooted in functional, on-court apparel. For a brief moment, dressing for a tournament felt like wearing a costume designed explicitly for athletic competition.
The Evolution into Subtle Subversion
As female fandom continued to expand and tournament grandstands filled with a diverse, younger demographic, the aesthetic matured. The mandate to dress in head-to-toe athletic gear faded, replaced by a more nuanced approach to trend integration.
"I honestly don’t know if I’ve ever styled a tennis skirt," Morgan Riddle laughs during a conversation with Cosmopolitan, highlighting the shift away from literal interpretations.
Instead of confining themselves to a uniform of pleated whites and heritage polos, today’s style leaders advocate for whimsical, unexpected styling choices. Riddle suggests incorporating subtle elements—such as tennis ball charms dangling from designer heels, or delicate, tennis-themed necklaces—to create a playful homage to the sport rather than a rigid costume. This evolution marks a transition from playing dress-up as a tennis player to curating a sophisticated, fashion-forward lifestyle look tailored to the energy of a major tournament.
Supporting Context & Metrics: The Economics and Culture of Tournament Fashion
The intersection of tennis and fashion is not merely an aesthetic movement; it is a multi-million-dollar cultural and retail powerhouse. Major Grand Slam tournaments, particularly the U.S. Open held annually at Flushing Meadows in New York City, have effectively evolved into fashion weeks in their own right.
The U.S. Open as a New York Fashion Event
For Riddle, who went to college in New York and currently calls the city home, the style choices for the U.S. Open are deeply intertwined with the identity of the city itself.
"I love like a kitschy sort of thing for the U.S. Open, specifically," Riddle explains. "I [dress] more towards New York than like tennis itself. It’s such a cool New York sporting event, and I went to college in New York, I live in New York now, I absolutely love New York."
Last year, this philosophy was on full display when Riddle opted for a casual white tank top adorned with a beaded apple, paired with customized denim featuring pinned taxi cab charms and bedazzled motifs celebrating the city. Her approach reflects a broader trend among tournament attendees who blend sporty elements with localized metropolitan flair.
The Spectrum of Grand Slam Style
Walking the grounds of the U.S. Open today reveals a fascinating dichotomy in spectator fashion. On one end of the spectrum are those leaning heavily into ’90s athleisure. As Riddle notes, "When I was on the grounds the other day, it seemed like a lot of girls were going for chic, city sporty [looks], which I think is smart because if you’re having a long day at the Open and you’re taking the subway, you should be as comfortable as possible."
Conversely, the other end of the spectrum showcases high-fashion, Wimbledon-esque elegance, complete with luxury statement pieces like vintage designer bags and Birkins.
"What’s so great about the U.S. Open is that it’s all across the board," Riddle observes. "Like there’s the girls who just come in like T-shirts and shorts and just want to enjoy their day. There’s some who make it a girls’ day. There’s some who make it a fashion event for themselves, and like everyone’s enjoying it in their own way."
Official Statements and Practical Insights
Beyond high-end fashion statements and designer collaborations, navigating a multi-hour tournament in the late-summer New York heat requires practicality. According to seasoned attendees and digital creators, surviving—and thriving—at Flushing Meadows comes down to a few non-negotiable accessories.
The Ultimate Tournament Non-Negotiable
While statement bags, bespoke charms, and curated outfits capture the attention of street-style photographers, veterans of the U.S. Open know that comfort and climate control are paramount. When asked about the ultimate essential for surviving the tournament grounds, Riddle points directly to a surprising tech accessory: the mini personal fan.
"They have these little fans that are sort of like a mini hair dryer," Riddle notes, highlighting the popularity of portable cooling devices like mini Dyson and handheld electronic fans. "They’re super powerful, and on a hot day at the Open, it’s a lifesaver."
It is a sentiment echoed across digital communities: the fans who brave the concrete jungle of the U.S. Open in full glam while wielding a high-powered portable fan truly understand the assignment.
Beyond the Grounds: Philanthropy and Community
Riddle’s influence extends far beyond fashion commentary and tournament style guides. Balancing her high-profile media presence with meaningful advocacy, she recently partnered with pet wellness brand Native Pet for an initiative in New York City alongside her dog, Bagel. The brand stepped up to match a $5,000 donation toward her new rescue pup’s shelter, highlighting how digital creators are increasingly leveraging their platforms to support animal rescue and community welfare initiatives.
Future Outlook: Where Tennis Fashion Goes From Here
As tennis continues to cement its status as a dominant force in pop culture, the boundaries of tenniscore will undoubtedly continue to expand. The rigid distinctions between athletic performance wear and luxury street style have permanently dissolved, paving the way for a more inclusive, expressive, and creative era of sports fandom.
Moving forward, we can expect to see major fashion houses and independent designers alike continuing to invest heavily in tournament-adjacent capsule collections, bespoke bag charms, and hybrid athletic footwear. The days of uniform compliance are behind us; in their place is a vibrant ecosystem where personal style takes center stage.
Whether fans choose to channel classic country-club elegance, lean into the gritty, energetic charm of New York City street style, or simply prioritize comfort with a high-powered mini fan in hand, the modern tennis landscape offers something for everyone. Thanks to trailblazers like Morgan Riddle, the message is clear: whether you are watching from the Royal Box, the Promenade level, or your living room couch, the ultimate rule of tenniscore is that there are no rules at all.
