10 eye-popping outfits that surely weren’t designed for tennis pros to wear on the court
Has tennis fashion gone too far?
CROWDS this year at Wimbledon have been left in shock at the new NikeCourt Premier Slam tennis dress.
While its colour remains inline with the strict guidelines imposed by the Lawn Tennis Association, the slightest gust of wind causes the loose material, that many have claimed resembles a piece of nightwear, to lift up and reveal far more than most players would wish for.
This isn't the first time that female players have stunned with their on-court choices.
With this year's Wimbledon coming to an end, take a look back at the ten outfits that you wouldn't believe were designed for the court...
Venus Williams, 2010 French Open
Venus William's risqué black and red corset-style number certainly turned heads at the French Open.
The combination of short lacy frills and skin-coloured shorts underneath looked as if Venus wasn't wearing any underwear.
Perhaps an outfit to reserve for use behind closed doors.
Serena Williams, 2004 US Open
Sister to Venus, Serena is also known for her outrageous athletic fashion choices.
In 2004, many thought a mistake had been made when she walked onto court sporting a Nike Denim tennis skirt.
The practicality of the outfit, that wouldn't look out of place on a night out, was questioned by many due to the stiff material, but it's certainly memorable.
Bethanie Mattek-Sands, 2007 US Open
American tennis player Bethanie has also worn her fair share of jaw-dropping outfits.
This leopard-print design was no different and the attention it drew clearly spurred her on as she finished runner-up that year.
The 31-year-old's outfit was perfectly coordinated, and even including a leopard-print visor.
Maria Sharapova, 2008 Wimbledon
Even within the limited scope for personal touches at Wimbledon due to the all-white rule, Maria managed to turn heads in this outfit.
Looking better suited to a formal dinner than a tennis court, the Russian wowed in the slick all-in-one that mimicked a tuxedo.
The outfit met mixed reviews and was short lived, as Maria - who's currently appealing a two-year drugs ban - was knocked out in the second round.
Related Stories
Serena Williams, 2002 US Open
This black catsuit was certainly a head-turner. Images of the figure-hugging outfit were splashed across papers back in 2002 when Serena triumphed at the grand slam.
No outfit is complete without accessories and for Serena the same applies to the court. She finished off the look with pink sweatbands, earrings, necklace and a bracelet.
It's hard to believe this combination was put together with a game of tennis in mind.
Bethanie Mattek-Sands, 2011 Wimbledon
Bethanie showed off her sense of fun at Wimbledon a few years ago. She came onto court in a fringed jacket covered in white tennis balls mocking the compulsory colour theme.
While the US tennis star didn't wear the jacket during the match, it still raised a few eyebrows among the strict officials.
The jacket has gone down in history, so much so that it is now displayed in the Wimbledon Museum.
Venus Williams, 2011 Australian Open
Determined not to let her younger sister steal the limelight, Venus rocked this bright yellow latticed number in Australia.
The revealing outfit featured a multicoloured skirt that highlighted her toned physique.
Sadly for the former world champ, her campaign ended in the quarter-finals.
Aravane Rezai, 2010 French Open
Iranian-French tennis player Aravane was seemingly taking fashion inspiration from cheerleaders in 2010.
The gold dress with lace trim certainly did not look as if it was designed for the court.
While the alarming outfit gained media coverage, Aravane was knocked out in the second round of the tournament.
Serena Williams, 2004 US Open
Wearing skin-tight shorts and a matching studded crop top, Serena wowed once again in another outfit that looked out of place on the court.
The biker-style ensemble is just one more of the tennis superstar's memorable costumes - this time flashing her toned abs in the two-piece.
Then 21, the grand slam winner certainly knew from a young age how to show off both her tennis skills and her body.
Bethanie Mattek, 2006 US Open
Last but certainly not least, this Grecian-inspired outfit worn by Bethanie received very mixed reviews.
The embellished top and lace headband would look more at home at a summer party than not a tennis match.
She also donned knee-high socks, which many folk speculated she'd borrowed from her grandmother.